FlyKC | Kansas City International Airport

New Terminal Story

NOVEMBER 1972

When Kansas City International Airport opened in 1972, its horseshoe-shaped, three-terminal layout was considered cutting-edge innovation. With nearby runways built for jumbo jets and the anticipation of supersonic travel, the airport's curved, standalone terminals exemplified an early "drive-to-your-gate" concept.

OVER THE YEARS

Over the years, the once-revolutionary design of the three terminals became obsolete. Interior space was increasingly cramped, and amenities no longer met travelers' needs. Stricter security requirements further strained the buildings. Meanwhile, passenger traffic continued to rise, decade after decade.

MAY 2014

The Kansas City, MO City Council conducted a comprehensive study, concluding that a new, consolidated single-terminal design was the optimal solution to modernize Kansas City International Airport and provide amenities that modern travelers required.

NOVEMBER 2017

Kansas City, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved construction of a single airport terminal. The project broke ground in March 2019 and was the largest, single infrastructure project in Kansas City's history.

FEBRUARY 2023

The new terminal officially opened for travelers on time and on budget. Since then, record numbers of passengers have arrived and departed, and the terminal has won a multitude of national and international awards.

Watch the virtual open house tour

This 11-minute video, released just before the opening of the new terminal, gave travelers a first look inside the facility. It explores arrival and departure areas, concourses and gates, and amenities like our inclusive play area, quiet room, and business center.

Read Video Transcript (PDF)

Stats That Stand Out

GATES

6200

GARAGE PARKING SPACES

SHOPS & RESTAURANTS

80% locally owned

5000

CONSTRUCTION JOBS

225

LOCAL PARTNERS

The New Terminal Team

Edgemoor Infrastructure

& Real Estate

Developer responsible for the entire new terminal project

Clark | Weitz |

Clarkson (CWC)

Design-builder responsible for design, construction, and related procurement, as well as workforce development and M/WBE resources

Skidmore Owings

& Merrill (SOM)

Lead architect for the new terminal project

Paslay Management

Group (PMG)

KCAD’s representative throughout the life cycle of the new terminal project

Vantage Airport Group

The news, gift, food and beverage concessionaire for the Kansas City International Airport new terminal

Media Gallery

Explore the journey of the construction of the new Kansas City International Airport terminal through our photo and video gallery. Discover behind-the-scenes moments and milestones, from groundbreaking to grand opening, that shaped this modern travel hub.