Kansas City Airport: Size, Scale, And Layout

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways. It is one of the most appealing commercial airports in the world due to its low congestion and small number of flight delays. The airport was opened in 1972 and a new complex was completed in 2023, replacing the old one.

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City. The airport was opened in 1972, and a new complex was completed in 2023, replacing the old one.

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri. It serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas. The airport covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways.

Kansas City International Airport was originally called Mid-Continent International Airport, and the International Air Transportation Association (IATA) adopted MCI as the airport's designator code. The airport was built to replace the Kansas City Municipal Airport (MKC), which was deemed too small to expand to meet growing demand. The new airport was designed with runways capable of accommodating jumbo jets and was the world's first "drive-to-your-gate" airport.

The KCI complex spans more than 10,000 acres, and its three runways can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. The airport has consistently ranked among the lowest in delays of all U.S. airports due to its uncongested air and ground space, short taxi time, and low weather-related closure/cancellation rate. The airport has always been a civilian airport and has never been assigned an Air National Guard unit.

KCI covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) covers a vast area of 10,680 acres, or 16.7 square miles (43.2 square kilometres). Within this large expanse, the airport operates three runways, which can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. The three runways, two of which are parallel with 6,575 feet of separation, are a key feature in keeping airport operations smooth and efficient, even during adverse weather conditions.

The airport, located in Platte County, Missouri, is situated 15 miles (24 kilometres) northwest of downtown Kansas City. It serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for western Missouri and eastern Kansas. KCI's large acreage places it sixth in the United States for commercial/public airports, excluding military airfields and general aviation airports.

The history of the airport's size is an interesting one. Originally, the airport was built on 4,500 acres of land, which has more than doubled over time to its current size. This expansion began in the late 1990s when the Aviation Department determined that the existing facilities needed updating. The Terminal Improvement Project (TIP) started in April 2001 and was completed in 2004, bringing new amenities and services to the airport.

The most recent significant infrastructure project was the construction of a new single terminal, which opened on February 28, 2023. This $1.5 billion project was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history, with a profound economic impact on the region. The new terminal features 40 gates, with the potential to expand to 50 in the future, and offers travellers a wide range of food and beverage options, spacious gate areas, and improved parking facilities.

KCI is ranked sixth in the US in terms of acreage for a commercial/public airport

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport covers 10,680 acres (16.7 sq mi; 43.2 km2) and has three runways. It is the primary passenger airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

KCI has grown significantly since its opening in 1972, when it had a footprint of 4,500 acres. Today, it spans 10,680 acres, more than doubling in size. This expansion has led to KCI being ranked sixth in the United States in terms of acreage for a commercial/public airport, excluding military airfields and general aviation airports. It is surpassed in size by only five other airports:

• Denver International Airport (33,531 acres)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (17,207 acres)
• Southwest Florida International Airport (13,555 acres)
• Dulles International Airport (13,000 acres)
• Orlando International Airport (11,605 acres)

KCI's vast acreage allows for a range of facilities and services, contributing to its reputation as one of the best airports in the nation. In 2023, Travel + Leisure Magazine ranked KCI as the sixth-best airport in the United States. This ranking was based on factors such as dining, design, check-in, and security. KCI also received the top spot in the 2024 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study, ranking third in overall customer satisfaction among large airports in North America.

KCI has 40 gates and the ability to expand to 50 in the future

The Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is a large airport with 40 gates and the capacity to expand to 50 gates in the future. The airport, which was built by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, first opened in 1972 and has since undergone several renovations and expansions to meet the growing demands of the aviation industry and travellers.

The airport covers a vast area of 10,680 acres, accommodating three runways that can handle up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. Its low congestion and efficient ground and air operations have consistently ranked KCI among the lowest delay rates across all US airports. The airport's design, with three runways, two of which are parallel and separated by 6,575 feet, contributes to smooth operations even during unfavourable weather conditions.

The new terminal, which opened on February 28, 2023, is a $1.5 billion project and the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history. It offers spacious gate areas and a wide range of dining options with nearly 50 choices for travellers. The terminal also features a new 6,200-space garage, providing convenient covered parking near the terminal.

The airport's growth and improvements reflect Kansas City's evolution into a world-class city. The new terminal enhances the travel experience for both visitors and residents, offering a seamless journey from arrival to departure. With its central location, Kansas City International Airport provides travellers with easy access to either coast within just four hours, making it a convenient and efficient travel hub.

The airport's former name, Mid-Continent International Airport, is still reflected in its IATA code, MCI. This code was assigned by the International Air Transportation Association and has been retained despite the name change due to its established use in navigation charts and to avoid confusion with other airport codes.

KCI's runways can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour

Kansas City International Airport (KCI) is a public airport in Kansas City, Missouri. Covering 10,680 acres, it is one of the largest commercial/public airports in the United States. KCI's three runways can accommodate up to 139 aircraft operations per hour. This high capacity is due in part to the runways' efficient design, with two of the runways being parallel and separated by 6,575 feet. This configuration, along with a Category III instrument Landing System, helps to maintain smooth operations even during adverse weather conditions.

The airport's uncongested airspace and ground space, short taxi times, and low weather-related closure/cancellation rate contribute to its consistently low delay rates among U.S. airports. KCI's efficient operations are further enhanced by ongoing infrastructure improvements, such as new surfaces on runways, taxiways, and terminal aprons.

The airport's ability to handle a high volume of aircraft operations is a significant advantage, ensuring efficient and timely air travel for passengers and cargo. This capacity also contributes to the airport's appeal as one of the most appealing commercial airports worldwide.

KCI's efficient design and operations are a testament to the city's successful planning and implementation, providing a seamless travel experience for travellers and supporting the region's economic growth.

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