A New Era in Air Travel

By RANDY MASON

Forty-nine years ago, Richard Nixon won his second term, polyester leisure suits were fashion-forward and Kansas City International Airport opened for business.

Clearly, much has changed since 1972!

Even the airport’s three-terminal layout – once seen as innovative – fell from favor in the 21st Century.

In 2017, voters approved construction of a new single-terminal KCI, slated to open on the site of the old Terminal A in early 2023.

Bearing a $1.5 billion price tag, it’s officially the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history.

Justin Meyer, Kansas City Deputy Aviation Director, is happy to report that with construction more than halfway complete, the project is still “on budget and on time.”

That’s no small feat, given how intensely COVID-19 affected the airline industry in 2020. But, Justin says, because most construction materials had already been procured, the new KCI will be delivered “post-pandemic at a prepandemic price.”

Collaboration being key to efficiencies in the Build KCI project, Kansas City Aviation Director, Pat Kline, adds that the stakeholders “have all been wonderful.” Since the first steel beams began emerging from the ground early in 2020, crews have been steadily shaping the airport’s form – a striking, two-story, glass-enclosed “H” structure that resembles the renovations at Dallas Love Field and the new airport in Indianapolis. “We’re in good company with those two,” Justin says.

The 1 million-sq.-ft. facility – that’s about the length of two football fields – will house all ticketing and security operations in one area, with escalators and automated walkways to help whisk passengers to their gates. A 6,300-car parking garage adjacent to the terminal will add to the ease of catching a flight. Pat is particularly proud of another feature – glass passenger boarding bridges instead of enclosed steel walkways connecting aircraft to the terminal gate. With one for each of the 39 gates, “KCI will have the most glass boarding bridges at any airport in North America,” Pat says excitedly.

Thanks to the upbeat budget numbers, the team has been able to revisit amenities shelved early on. Like a Flight Simulation Lab for apprehensive travelers, a USO Lounge and an inclusive children’s play area built for all levels of ability.

Concessions have not yet been finalized, but an ambitious mix of local and national names serving a wide variety of food and drink is promised. And yes, barbecue is part of the plan!

Additional amenities will delight passengers, whether flying out or passing through. From private changing rooms exclusively created for the emergency wardrobe change to peaceful meditation rooms for a space to get centered in the midst of stressful travel, the thoughtful and inclusive designs will ensure KC’s front door is as welcoming as the people that live here.

“As more people using the airport can actually see the progress, they’re getting excited,” Pat says. “It’s great to get calls like that!”