Kansas City's modern gateway serving the American heartland.
Opened
1972
Location
Kansas City, United States
Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the primary commercial airport serving the Kansas City metropolitan area in Missouri. Originally opened in 1972, it was designed with a unique three-terminal layout that allowed passengers to park very close to their gates, a concept praised for convenience at the time.
In 2023, the airport opened a brand-new single-terminal facility, replacing the aging original terminals and modernizing the passenger experience significantly. The new terminal consolidates operations under one roof with updated amenities, improved security checkpoints, and expanded concessions.
MCI serves millions of passengers annually and connects Kansas City to major domestic hubs as well as select international destinations. It plays a vital economic role in the region and has seen renewed investment following the terminal replacement project.
Terminals
The airport now operates a single modern terminal opened in 2023, replacing the previous three-terminal design.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and shuttle services connecting the airport to downtown Kansas City, approximately 15 miles away.
Airlines here
Major carriers include Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, among others.
Notable facts
- ›The original 1972 terminal design was renowned for allowing passengers to park within steps of their gates.
- ›The new single terminal, opened in February 2023, cost approximately $1.5 billion to construct.
- ›Kansas City voters approved the new terminal in a 2019 referendum.
- ›The airport's IATA code MCI derives from its original name, Mid-Continent International Airport.
- ›MCI handles both domestic and limited international flights, including service to Canada and Mexico.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
