Jazmin Li
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri, has a new terminal that opened in February 2023. The terminal, which cost $1.5 billion, offers a host of upgraded amenities and features, including a sensory room, gender-neutral bathrooms, a plane simulator for neurodivergent travellers, and improved dining and shopping options. The new terminal has 40 gates, up from the previous 31, and can be expanded to 50 in the future. The airport, located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of downtown Kansas City, serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary airport for western Missouri and eastern Kansas.
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What You'll Learn
Kansas City International Airport's new terminal opened in February 2023
The new Kansas City International Airport terminal opened on February 28, 2023, marking the completion of the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history. The new terminal, which took six years to build, boasts a modern design with spacious gate areas, an adjacent 6,200-space garage, and nearly 50 local and national food and beverage options. The terminal features 40 gates across two concourses, with the ability to expand up to 50 gates in the future.
Kansas City International Airport, also known by its IATA code MCI, is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri. It serves the Kansas City Metropolitan Area and is the primary passenger airport for western Missouri and eastern Kansas. The airport was originally opened in 1972, featuring a horseshoe-shaped, three-terminal layout that was considered cutting-edge at the time.
Over the years, the airport's old design became obsolete, with cramped interior spaces and amenities that no longer met modern travellers' needs. Security requirements also strained the old terminal buildings. Recognizing these issues, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council conducted a comprehensive study and concluded that a new, consolidated single-terminal design was necessary to modernize the airport and enhance the passenger experience.
The new terminal at Kansas City International Airport offers upgraded technology, a range of locally-inspired amenities, and convenient gate access. It features dedicated arrival and departure levels, moving walkways, and consolidated security checkpoints designed to accommodate changes in passenger volume. The terminal also showcases public art, with $5.6 million invested in works from 28 artists, including 19 local artists or those with ties to the Kansas City area.
The opening of the new terminal in February 2023 also marked the permanent closure of the airport's former terminals B and C. The new complex has received over 30 awards, recognizing its innovative design and successful modernization of Kansas City's air travel experience.
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The terminal cost \$1.5 billion to build
The new Kansas City International Airport terminal opened in February 2023, replacing the airport's outdated 1972 design. The terminal cost $1.5 billion to build and features a modern, spacious design with 40 gates, upgraded technology, and a host of amenities for travellers.
The new terminal is a significant upgrade from the previous three-terminal layout, which had become cramped and obsolete over time. The new design consolidates all operations into a single terminal, making it easier for travellers to navigate. The terminal features dedicated arrival and departure levels, covered parking in an adjacent garage, moving walkways, and centralised customer service desks.
One of the standout features of the new terminal is its focus on inclusivity. Every information and check-in counter is set at ADA-compliant heights, and the terminal offers adult and baby changing tables in the restrooms. There is also a gender-neutral restroom with additional features to ensure privacy and safety. Additionally, the terminal offers a sensory room and a plane simulator for neurodivergent travellers.
The terminal also showcases local culture and art. It features a Made in KC Marketplace, where travellers can purchase locally made souvenirs. Local dining options such as Meat Mitch BBQ offer travellers a taste of Kansas City's legendary barbecue. The terminal also displays works of public art from 28 commissioned artists, with a total of $5.6 million invested in the project.
The construction of the new terminal began in March 2019 and was completed on time and within budget. It is the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history and has won numerous national and international awards for its design and functionality. The terminal has set new standards for airport design and improved the overall passenger experience at Kansas City International Airport.
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It has 40 gates, up from 31 or 32 previously
The new Kansas City International Airport terminal opened in February 2023, replacing the airport's outdated 1972 design. The new terminal has 40 gates, up from 31 or 32 previously. This increase in the number of gates provides more capacity for flights and passengers, improving the efficiency and functionality of the airport.
The original airport, which opened in 1972, featured a horseshoe-shaped, three-terminal layout with standalone terminals. Over time, this design became obsolete, with cramped interior spaces and inadequate amenities for travellers. The new terminal, on the other hand, boasts a modern and spacious design, filled with natural light and signature Kansas City fountains.
The construction of the new terminal began in March 2019 and was the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history. It cost $1.5 billion and offers a host of upgraded features and amenities. These include dedicated arrival and departure levels, covered parking, moving walkways, and consolidated security checkpoints. Additionally, the terminal provides amenities like an inclusive play area, a quiet room, and a business centre.
The new terminal also showcases public art, with a total investment of $5.6 million in works from 28 artists, including 19 local artists or those with local ties. The terminal has won numerous awards, including over 30 national and international awards, and has been recognised as a glimpse into the future of air travel.
The increase in the number of gates from 31 or 32 to 40 is a significant improvement, enhancing the airport's capacity and functionality. This expansion allows for more efficient flight operations and contributes to a better overall experience for travellers passing through Kansas City International Airport.
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The terminal has won over 30 awards
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) in Kansas City, Missouri, has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the construction of a new terminal that opened in February 2023. This new terminal has transformed the airport's layout, replacing the previous three-terminal horseshoe design with a modern, consolidated single-terminal concept.
The new terminal at Kansas City International Airport has received widespread acclaim, winning over 30 awards since its opening. These awards recognise the terminal's excellence in various aspects, from design and construction to passenger experience and concession programs. The accolades reflect the successful modernisation of the airport, addressing the limitations of the previous cramped and outdated facilities.
One notable aspect of the terminal's design is its spaciousness, filled with natural light and featuring Kansas City's signature fountains. The terminal also boasts dedicated arrival and departure levels, covered parking, moving walkways, and consolidated security checkpoints, enhancing overall navigation and convenience for travellers. The terminal's design has earned recognition through awards such as the American Concrete Pavement Association National Award for Excellence in Concrete Pavement and the CREW Kansas City Economic Impact Excellence Award for the New MCI Terminal.
The terminal's concession program, curated by Vantage Airport Group, has been a particular standout, offering a range of local businesses and award-winning dining experiences. The Kansas City BBQ Experience, for instance, showcases authentic, locally inspired barbecue dishes and has won multiple awards, including Best Local-Inspired Restaurant in the medium/small airports division. The terminal's food and beverage offerings provide a true taste of Kansas City, with options such as Meat Mitch BBQ and Brown & Loe, which received the Best Casual Dining Concept award.
In addition to culinary excellence, the terminal has also prioritised art and culture. Over $5.6 million has been invested in public art, featuring works from 28 artists, including 19 with local ties to Kansas City. This commitment to showcasing local talent and culture has elevated the terminal's atmosphere and contributed to a unique sense of place. The terminal's focus on art and design has been recognised through awards like the Heart of America Associated Builders and Contractors Excellence in Construction Awards and the Kansas City Industrial Council Sustainability Award Platinum for LEED Gold.
The Kansas City International Airport's new terminal has set a new standard for airport design, functionality, and passenger experience, as evidenced by the numerous awards it has garnered. Its combination of modern amenities, efficient layout, and celebration of local culture has transformed the airport's reputation and elevated its standing in the industry.
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The airport is located in Platte County, Missouri
The new Kansas City International Airport terminal is located in Platte County, Missouri, 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City. The airport has been a significant infrastructure project for Kansas City, with voters approving the construction of a single terminal to replace the previous three-terminal layout, which had become cramped and obsolete. The new terminal opened in February 2023, offering upgraded technology, improved amenities, and convenient gate access. It features 40 gates, an increase from the previous 31 gates, and has won multiple awards for its design.
The terminal building cost $1.5 billion and offers a modern, spacious, and structurally expressive design. It covers 1.1 million square feet, with natural light, Kansas City's signature fountains, and an outdoor courtyard north of the baggage claim that pays homage to the original terminals. The terminal also boasts a wide range of dining and shopping options, reflecting the local community and culture.
The airport is easily accessible, located near major highways Interstate 29 and Interstate 435. It has a large, adjacent parking garage with 6,219 spaces, including parking stalls with electric vehicle chargers. The parking garage features solar panels, and crushed rubble from the demolished Terminal A was used in the construction of the new terminal's concrete subbase.
The new terminal has received numerous awards and recognition for its design and inclusivity. It offers an inclusive play area, a quiet room, a business center, and an all-gender restroom with enhanced safety and privacy features. The Kansas City Aviation Department worked closely with local organizations to ensure the terminal was as inclusive as possible, with ADA-compliant counters, adult and baby changing tables, and visual paging boards for deaf passengers.
The Kansas City International Airport has seen record numbers of passengers since the new terminal opened, and it played a role in the city earning the right to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The modern terminal has transformed the air travel experience for Kansas City, providing a sleek, efficient, and convenient gateway to the city.
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Frequently asked questions
The new Kansas City International Airport terminal is located 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Downtown Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri.
The new terminal has upgraded technology, a wide range of amenities, and convenient gate access. It has 40 gates, up from the previous 31, and has won over 30 awards since its opening.
The new terminal offers a wide range of dining options, including local favourites such as Parisi Coffee, Boulevard Brewing Company, and Meat Mitch BBQ.
The new terminal features a modern design with dedicated arrival and departure levels, covered parking, moving walkways, and consolidated security checkpoints. It also includes inclusive features such as an inclusive play area, a quiet room, and gender-neutral bathrooms.
The new terminal officially opened in February 2023, on time and on budget.
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