The new Kansas City International Airport terminal opens for business on Feb. 28.
The $1.5 billion terminal replaces the three-terminal horseshoe facility that began serving Kansas City in 1972.
The opening comes nearly four years after ground was broken on the project. Airlines backed the terminal consolidation, saying it would ease operations at the airport.
At Kansas City's new airport terminal, the check-in kiosks are low enough to be accessible to travelers in wheelchairs. Photo Credit: Clark Weitz Clarkson
"As the airline with the most flights from Kansas City, we're looking forward to connecting travelers to the people and places important in their lives through the world-class facilities that will soon serve as the region's new front door," said Steve Sisneros, Southwest's vice president of airport affairs.
The new terminal has 39 gates with the capability to expand to 50. It features all-glass jet bridges and customer-pleasing enhancements such as a sensory room and an outdoor courtyard connected to the arrivals level where live music will be played. In addition, commissioned art valued at $5.6 million will be on display.
The airport now has a Delta Sky Club with a capacity of 200 seats. Kansas City is a new addition to the Sky Club network.
In a press release, the airport said it aims to set new accessibility and inclusiveness standards for the industry. In pursuit of those goals, the new terminal has wheelchair-accessible heights at every desk and check-in position, visual paging systems, gender-neutral bathrooms, and 15 family bathrooms.
Delta's new Sky Club in Kansas City. Photo Credit: Clark Weitz Clarkson
The project also included construction of a split roadway with dedicated levels for arrivals and departures and a 6,100-space parking garage adjacent to the terminal.
Officials say the new terminal played a role in Kansas City's successful bid to be a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.