Kansas City International Airport: All You Need To Know

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the closest major airport to Kansas City, Kansas. It is located 17 miles from the city centre and offers 11 airlines, more than 50 nonstop destinations, and 400-plus daily flights. The airport was opened in 1972 and has been steadily recovering since the 2020 pandemic shutdown.

Kansas City International Airport's history

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 was opened in 1972 and a new complex was completed in 2023, replacing the old one.

The history of Kansas City's airports began in 1927, when a crowd of 25,000 gathered on soggy turf just north of downtown Kansas City for the dedication of Municipal Airport. Famed aviator Charles Lindbergh flew in the Spirit of St. Louis for the dedication, ushering in a new era of aviation in Kansas City. The new airport was due in large part to the efforts of Lou Holland, president of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce at the time.

In the 1930s, an airline based in Kansas City employed more workers than any other business in town and was among the most prestigious airlines in the world. In 1951, the Great Flood destroyed the facilities of both of Kansas City's airlines, Mid-Continent Airlines and TWA, at Fairfax Municipal Airport. Mid-Continent Airlines had been serving the Mid-Continent Oil Field since 1938, when it changed its name from Hanover Airlines. In 1952, Mid-Continent merged with Braniff, and in 1954, TWA signed an agreement to move its overhaul base to the airport. However, the downtown airport continued to be Kansas City's passenger airport.

Kansas City International Airport (originally Mid-Continent International Airport) officially opened for commercial service on November 11, 1972, at the Mid-Continent site. Built at a cost of $250 million, the airport featured an innovative "Drive to Your Gate" design, allowing passengers to park near the circular terminals and walk a short distance to their gates. The airport was designed by the architectural firm of Kivett and Myers and reflected TWA's ambitious vision for the future of flight. However, this design proved troublesome, as the terminals were unfriendly to the 747, with passengers spilling out of the gate areas into the halls.

In March 2019, the old Terminal A was demolished to make way for a new single terminal, which opened in February 2023. The $1.5 billion project was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history. The new terminal features spacious gate areas, numerous food and beverage options, and consolidated and flexible security checkpoints.

Transport options to and from the airport

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 serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

Kansas City International Airport offers several options for transportation to and from the airport. The airport provides free 24/7 "Gray Bus" shuttle services between the Consolidated Rental Car Facility and the terminal. These buses can be boarded from the Rental Car Bus Stop located on the commercial curb. Additionally, there are frequent free shuttles available between the terminal and the rental car facility.

For those seeking a taxi service, you can call 816-243-2345 on your personal phone. Make sure to provide the dispatcher with your exact location, and fares may be prorated when shared rides are requested and agreed upon by all passengers.

The airport also offers limousine services, although it is recommended to research your limousine company choice carefully, as the Kansas City Aviation Department does not endorse nor guarantee any particular company.

RideKC operates a bus service in the Kansas City region, including Downtown, KCI Airport, and the Country Club Plaza. The RideKC App can be used to plan your trip, track your ride, and pay your fare.

App-based ride-share services such as Iris, Lyft, Uber, or zTrip are also available through mobile applications.

SuperShuttle Express is another option, providing shuttle services to and from the airport and the surrounding areas. They offer various vehicle options, including black cars, SUVs, and private vans, and can be booked in advance or on-demand at the airport.

Airlines and destinations

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is located 15 to 19 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City. It offers 11 airlines, over 50 nonstop destinations, and 400+ daily flights.

Kansas City International Airport is served by the following airlines:

• Delta, with flights from Los Angeles (LAX), Seattle (SEA), Boston (BOS), and Atlanta (ATL)
• American Airlines, with services from Chicago (ORD), LaGuardia (LGA) in New York, and Dallas (DFW)
• Southwest Airlines
• Icelandair, which previously operated a seasonal route to Reykjavík, Kansas City's first transatlantic flight, from 2018 to 2019

In addition to these, Kansas City International Airport offers nonstop service to 47 airports, including Cancún, Montego Bay, San José del Cabo, and Toronto.

Terminal facilities

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri, has undergone significant transformations and improvements to enhance the overall passenger experience. The airport's new single terminal, which opened in 2023, offers a range of upgraded facilities and services.

The terminal is designed to be spacious and filled with natural light, creating a pleasant atmosphere for travellers. It features Kansas City's signature fountains, adding a touch of local charm. The terminal has centralised customer service desks, providing guidance and assistance to passengers. The terminal also boasts glass passenger boarding bridges at all 40 gates, offering passengers unique views of the airfield while they board their flights.

In terms of parking, the terminal has a new adjacent parking garage with 6,200 spaces, providing convenient covered parking for travellers. Additionally, there are dedicated curb spaces for taxis, ride-sharing platforms, and shuttles, ensuring easy access to the terminal.

The terminal at MCI offers a variety of dining and shopping options. More than 80% of the brands represented in the terminal are local to the Kansas City region, giving passengers a taste of the local culture. Restaurants like Charlie Hustle, Urban Café, and Stockyards Brewing Co. are among the dining choices. The terminal also showcases art exhibits by local and international artists, contributing to a unique and culturally rich airport experience.

Furthermore, MCI prioritises accessibility and inclusivity. It has fully accessible specialty rooms designed to provide calming, safe, and comfortable spaces for travellers with specific needs. Additionally, the terminal features a service animal relief area, nursing mothers' rooms, and the Variety KC Inclusive Family Play Zone, making it one of the most inclusive and accessible airport terminals in the country.

Airport expansion plans

Kansas City International Airport (IATA: MCI) is located in Kansas City, Missouri, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. The airport serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for much of western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

The Kansas City International Airport has undergone several expansions and developments since its opening in 1972. In 2023, a new complex was completed, replacing the old one. This new complex included a single terminal, designed to meet the needs of the growing region and the increasing number of visitors and business travellers. The $1.5 billion project was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history.

The airport's master plan, developed in partnership with the Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD), Crawford, Murphy & Tilly (CMT), and WSP USA, outlines short-, medium-, and long-term development plans through 2045. The plan aims to modernise airport facilities and guide future improvements to accommodate projected demand safely and efficiently while enhancing customer service.

The planning process involves evaluating when facility improvements are needed and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Public involvement is a crucial aspect, with open houses, community surveys, and a dedicated project webpage for updates and contact information.

The airport has also expanded its services, offering nonstop flights to 47 airports, including international destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Toronto. Additionally, Icelandair launched a seasonal route to Reykjavík in 2018, marking Kansas City's first transatlantic flight, although this service was later discontinued.

Kansas City International Airport continues to evolve, adapting to the needs of its growing metropolitan area and improving the travel experience for its passengers. With a comprehensive master plan in place, the airport is well-positioned to make informed decisions about its future development.

Frequently asked questions