She said companies and convention organizers have declined to come to the city because they say the airport's layout is too congested, doesn't offer convenient flights and offers few services. Those things matter to travelers, said Jolie Justus, a member of the City Council and chairwoman of Kansas City's airport committee. But it currently offers few restaurants, retail shops or bathrooms, with small waiting areas near the gates and few amenities, such as charging stations.ĪRCHIVES: Airlines tell Kansas City 1 terminal would be better than 3 The airport handled 5.3 million passenger boardings in 2016, ranking it the 39th busiest airport in the U.S. Without it, it's going to be a challenge to compete,' Burke said. If your airport is a first-class airport, that is a good thing for that part of Missouri. It builds up the tax base, the employee base. 'It attracts businesses, offers employment to locals. 'Your airport is everything if a city wants to grow,' said Kevin Burke, president and CEO of Airports Council International-North America, an organization that advocates on issues that affect airports.

airport from Missouri? | Kansas City airport terminal: Renovate or rebuild? RELATED: Border war: Could Kansas 'steal' K.C. Mayor Sly James and other supporters say revitalizing the airport is key to the city's economy and will improve security. The opposition, led by a grassroots group called Citizens for Responsible Government, argue the city-owned airport could be modernized at a much lower cost. Opponents scoff at the claim, saying taxpayers will eventually foot at least part of the bill and note that the city still doesn't have any final plans or signed contracts with the chosen developer, Maryland-based Edgemoor. Those are the arguments swirling ahead a citywide vote Tuesday in a contentious, years-long fight in Kansas City, Mo., about whether to replace the 45-year-old airport's three horseshoe-shaped terminals with a single terminal.Ĭity leaders say the project will be funded by user fees and the airlines, and no tax dollars will be required.

(AP) - A nearly $1 billion remodel of Kansas City International Airport will either provide an important boost to the city's economy, air service and national reputation, or it will be colossal waste of money designed to line the pockets of airlines and contractors while making air travel less convenient. 8, 2017): They voted yes! Kansas City to get new $1 billion airport terminal

Kansas city airport