Kansas City's Airport: A Travel Hub For The Midwest

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport was opened in 1972 and has since doubled its acreage, now covering 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2). MCI is the primary passenger airport for western Missouri and eastern Kansas and offers several transportation services, including ride-share apps, shuttle buses, and limousines. Kansas City also has a downtown airport, the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, which is used for general aviation and medical biosciences charters.

Kansas City International Airport's history

Kansas City International Airport (IATA: MCI, ICAO: KMCI, FAA LID: MCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri. It is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport was opened in 1972 and has always been a civilian airport. It replaced Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC) in 1972, with all scheduled passenger airline flights moved from MKC to MCI.

The history of the airport, however, goes back to the 1930s when the airline originated in Kansas City. In 1951, the Great Flood destroyed the facilities of both of Kansas City's airlines, Mid-Continent Airlines and TWA, at Fairfax Municipal Airport. The Kansas City Downtown Airport (also known as Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport) was built in the Missouri River bottoms next to the rail tracks at the Hannibal Bridge. However, due to its limited area for expansion and the risk of flooding, Kansas City decided to build a new airport away from the river. The new airport was built on a site just north of the then-unincorporated hamlet of Hampton, Missouri, and was named Mid-Continent International Airport.

In November 1972, the Kansas City International Airport officially opened for commercial service at the Mid-Continent site. Built at a cost of $250 million, the airport featured an innovative “Drive to Your Gate” design that allowed passengers to park near the circular terminals and walk a short distance to their gates. Over the years, MCI has more than doubled its footprint, from 4,500 acres to 10,680 acres today, making it the sixth-largest commercial/public airport in the United States in terms of overall acreage.

In March 2019, the old Terminal A was demolished to make way for a new single terminal. Designed by SOM Architects, the $1.5 billion project was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City’s history. The new terminal opened on February 28, 2023, featuring spacious gate areas, numerous food and beverage options, and improved navigation.

Transport to and from the airport

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport offers several options for passengers requiring transportation to and from the airport.

Public Transport

RideKC operates a free service to and from Kansas City International Airport every day of the week.

Car

Kansas City International Airport offers convenient options for dropping off and picking up passengers at the airport terminal. Drop-off is located on the upper level at the departures curb, and pick-up is located on the lower level at the arrivals curb. The airport also has an Economy Parking Lot with over 15,000 spaces and door-to-door service.

Taxi

Taxi services are available at Kansas City International Airport. To call a taxi, use your personal phone to dial 816-243-2345 and provide the dispatcher with your exact location.

App-based Ride Share Services

App-based ride-share services such as Iris, Lyft, Uber, or zTrip are available at Kansas City International Airport.

Shuttle Services

Several companies offer shuttle services to and from Kansas City International Airport, including SuperShuttle Express, 5 Guys Transportation LLC, and limousine services. These companies offer door-to-door transportation to and from the airport and surrounding areas.

The airport's shopping and dining options

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travellers. The airport, which serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. It has been in operation since 1972 and has recently undergone a major expansion, completed in 2023, which included the addition of a new terminal.

In Terminal B, travellers can find a range of eateries, including The Local Rustic Market, Starbucks, Pork & Pickle, and Boulevard Brewing Company. For those looking for a quick bite, there are options such as Burger King, California Pizza Kitchen, and Buffalo State Pizza Co. Terminal B also houses popular shops like CNBC News, Farmer's Market, KC Marketplace, and InMotion Entertainment.

Terminal C offers a variety of dining options as well, including The Great American Bagel Bakery, Just Off Vine, Marché, and KCI Brew Pub. Starbucks is also available in this terminal for travellers in need of a caffeine boost. CNBC News and InMotion Entertainment can be found in Terminal C for any last-minute shopping needs.

For those with longer layovers or waiting times, MCI offers additional services and amenities. The airport has interactive maps to help travellers easily navigate between terminals and locate dining and shopping options. MCI also provides specialty rooms, art exhibits, and comfortable waiting areas. With over 15,000 parking spaces, MCI offers convenient and affordable parking options, making it a traveller-friendly airport.

The airport's busiest year on record

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Missouri had a record-breaking year in 2024, with over 12 million passengers served. This broke the previous record set in 2000, when 11.9 million passengers travelled through the airport.

The airport, which was opened in 1972, has been steadily recovering since the 2020 pandemic shutdown. In 2023, a near-record number of travellers passed through, with over 11.5 million passengers—a 17.7% increase on 2022.

The airport's strong performance continued into 2024, with June seeing 1,174,626 passengers—an all-time high for that month. This was followed by another record-breaking month in July, with 1,175,386 passengers, a 4.3% increase on the previous year.

The airport's success can be attributed to several factors, including the opening of a new terminal in 2023, which added several new domestic and international destinations. The terminal features a range of new amenities and more efficient security screening, improving the overall passenger experience.

In addition to record passenger numbers, the airport has also received over 20 national and local awards, recognising its excellence in various areas.

The airport's fire safety procedures

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport has a few fire safety procedures in place, which are detailed below.

The Airports Fire Safety Procedures

The Kansas City Fire Department's onsite Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) unit is responsible for all airfield-related fire and rescue operations at Kansas City International Airport. ARFF is a specialised category of firefighting that includes evacuation, response, hazard mitigation, and the potential rescue of passengers and crew from an aircraft in an emergency.

Airport firefighters are highly trained in the use of firefighting foams, dry chemicals, and clean agents to extinguish burning aviation fuel around an aircraft, ensuring a clear path for evacuating passengers to escape the fire hazard area.

The Field Maintenance Division, in collaboration with the Operations Division, is responsible for clearing the airfield of snow during emergencies. The Fleet Maintenance Division manages and maintains a large fleet of vehicles and equipment, including fire vehicles, ensuring their readiness for the Aviation Department's daily activities.

The Kansas City International Airport also has a range of other safety measures in place, including full-body scanners, and the airport works closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect travellers' health.

Frequently asked questions