Show of hands, who thinks KC needs a new airport?
On November 7, 2017, Kansas Citians overwhelmingly voted to move forward with a new, single-terminal version of Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Opponents of the project feared some hidden taxpayer burden, though, as of now airlines and concessions in the airport will take care of the cost (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/todayinthesky/2017/11/08/they-voted-yes-kansas-city-get-new-1-billion-airport-terminal/844622001/), but we’ve seen how taxpayers have had to help cover the cost of attractions like Power and Light and the KC Streetcar. In reality, does it matter who foots the bill? Don't we all ultimately gain something from a new, state-of-the-art single terminal airport?
The airport of the future looks incredible, and you can see for yourself here: http://www.flykci.com/newsroom/terminal-master-plan/.
The potential to have more direct flights both domestically and internationally is a huge bonus and the one I am most excited about, personally. For business travelers, having an airport where a delayed flight doesn’t equate to extreme boredom or starvation is also a bonus. Who's arrived at the airport at the last minute with a Starbucks craving only to find out once you are through security, there is NO STARBUCKS and your only choice is a basic coffee which tastes like it was made last week? Or, better yet, you just want to grab a quick burger only to discover your only options are a sit-down meal with slow service and subpar food/drink?
Whatever your thoughts are on the new airport, one thing is for sure: a new MCI is going to attract more revenue for the city, more businesses like Amazon’s HQ2 may find relevance and interest in our city and other large nationwide companies may give us a second look. More revenue means a better Kansas City for all of us. Whether you live in Brookside or Overland Park, a state of the art airport will make your travel life better and possibly more efficient, just wait and see.
If you’ve got comments or thoughts on the new MCI – share them below in our comment section.