DRA appears in the databases, but no routing should ever pass through it: Desert Rock Airport at Mercury serves the Nevada National Security Site — the former US nuclear test site — and operates as a closed Department of Energy departmental airfield. Its single asphalt runway 2/20 measures about 7,515 feet and dates from the 1950s test programme; neighbouring Camp Desert Rock housed the US Army's atomic manoeuvre battalion from 1951 to 1955, and John F. Kennedy landed here on an inspection visit in 1962. Only government, departmental and DOE contract flights use the strip today, keeping the site supplied. Despite holding an IATA code, it has never sold tickets to civilians, and there is no civil air cargo, customs post or commercial handling of any kind. Commercial shipments for the area move through Harry Reid International (LAS) in Las Vegas, roughly sixty miles southeast, with road connections via Interstate 15 and U.S. Highway 95.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IATA code of Desert Rock Airport?▼

The IATA code of Desert Rock Airport is DRA. This three-letter code is used for unique airport identification in international air transport.

Where is Desert Rock Airport located?▼

Desert Rock Airport is located in Mercury, US.

What is the ICAO code of Desert Rock Airport?▼

The ICAO code of Desert Rock Airport is KDRA. This four-letter code is used internationally in aviation.

What is the elevation of Desert Rock Airport?▼

Desert Rock Airport is at an elevation of 1010 meters (3314 ft) above sea level.

Location & Weather

36.61940, -116.03300

1010 m ü. NN

Transit time routes from Mercury

Los Angeles → Shanghai Los Angeles → Shenzhen Los Angeles → Guangzhou Los Angeles → Hong Kong Los Angeles → Tokyo Los Angeles → Busan

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Last updated: 7 September 2026

Content verified & editorially approved

This airport is a record in the Global Cargo Airport Dataset.

The information on this page is based on publicly available transport and infrastructure data. The logistics significance of a location may change. All information without warranty.

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