KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On Feb. 28, Kansas City, Mo, will unveil the single-largest infrastructure project in the history of the city: a new 1-million-square-foot single terminal at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), featuring modern and inclusive amenities for all travelers.
According to a press release, the current three-terminal design airport was once considered at the forefront of modern aviation when it debuted in 1972, but the demands of today’s travelers now far exceed its capabilities. The new $1.5-billion terminal will feature 39 gates and the capability to expand to 50. Inside, passengers will find airline/USO lounges, moving walkways, gender-neutral and family restrooms, mothers’ rooms, and numerous glass-enclosed jetways, making Kansas City the largest operator of all-glass passenger boarding bridges in the U.S. In addition, the new design will also feature a split roadway with dedicated levels for arrivals and departures, a new 6,100-space parking garage adjacent to the terminal with several electric charging spots, and designated curb spaces for taxis, ridesharing platforms, and shuttle buses.
Opening in time for events like the 2023 NFL Draft and Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship, visitors will experience a taste of Kansas City’s arts, culture, and culinary scenes even before stepping outside. Decorating the new terminal and parking garage are the works of 28 artists who were commissioned as part of the largest public art project in the history of the city, many of whom have local connections and are women or an artist of color. Through ample dining and shopping experiences, passengers will become acquainted with different regions of Kansas City, like the City Market, 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District, and the Stockyards, with more than 50 local businesses such as Made in KC, Parisi Coffee, Stockyards Brewing, and a rotating barbecue showcase.
The release states Kansas City aims to be the most accessible airport in the world by exceeding ADA requirements and prioritizing the visitor experience. Through several community meetings, architects worked with Kansas City residents and local advocacy groups like The Whole Person, Variety KC, and Dementia Friendly KC to ensure the needs of all travelers were met. Amenities include a sensory room; wheelchair-accessible heights at every desk and check-in position; visual paging systems; and The Kansas City Air Travel Experience, which simulates the entire airport process from getting a ticket, passing through security, and boarding.
