New KCI terminal to open early on February 28

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The new Kansas City International Airport Terminal will open on February 28th ahead of schedule.

According to Kansas City Mayor Quinton, Lucas, the Build KCI project is on time and on budget.

Crews broke ground in March of 2019 on the largest single infrastructure project in Kansas City’s history. The new terminal will have 40 gates with room to expand up to 50 gates.

Approximately 10,000 community members already signed up to grab the limited spots available to get a sneak peek of the New Terminal at a Community Open House on Saturday February 18th. Even though the in-person spots are reserved, community members can participate in a virtual tour on February 18th at 10AM by visiting the BuildKCI YouTube channel.

Around 1,000 applicants were selected to serve as “passengers” for the simulated operational test on February 14th. The simulation will allow the Build KCI team, airport officials, airlines, TSA, and concessionaires to test and address any issues before the New Terminal opens.

Kansas City Aviation Director Patrick Klein encourages local travelers to arrive early during their first few visits to the New Terminal to get accustomed to the new parking and roadway systems. He says travelers can also arrive early to check out art installations and restaurant options.

“Yesterday there was a big game here in Kansas City that a few of us might have watched or attended. I was talking to a few folks, and they were thrilled about the new KCI airport. They said everything was almost perfect about their time in Kansas City,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said. “I think this puts the cherry on top of how we market, how we recruit and how can build a better Kansas City for the next generation.”

As of right now, the first flight out of the new terminal is scheduled to take off at 5:05AM on February 28th. “At 3:00AM on the 28th we’ll have staff here ready to go. Overstaffed to make sure that we can handle anything that comes up,” Kansas City Aviation Director Patrick Klein said. “Then you’ve got spring break. You’ve got the Big 12 tournament, Sweet 16 and Elite 8 games and then right into the NFL Draft. It will be a busy first couple of months.”

Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

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