Students visiting the Applied Language Institute at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) often fly into Kansas City International Airport (KCI). For students of the past, they flew into a 3-terminal airport that was unique, but outdated. The old KCI had 3 horseshoe-shaped terminals, with a unique floor tile, few vendors and amenities, and an inefficient layout. It was a beloved airport, appreciated for its ease of access. However, times have changed in Kansas City, and as the population grows and the city continues to demand attention (through sports and other cultural events), so does its need for sophisticated and efficient modern transportation.
Kansas City currently has in development an expansion of its streetcar, which will include a stop at UMKC’s campus as well as the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. In addition to that, Kansas City opened its new International Airport early last year on February 28, 2023.
History of the Terminal
The new airport is the final result of a $1.5 billon project that was aimed to deliver an elite experience to passengers, while offering comfort and creating sustainable and efficient operations. The new KCI was built in mind with the surge of passengers that are expected to arrive for the 2026 World Cup in North America, which Kansas City is a host city for. I think we can see the results live up to the plan!
This new airport reflects a modern, sleek airport design consisting of a single terminal with two concourses. The new KCI features many glass windows, inviting warmth and light into the terminal, as well as high ceilings that create airy and open spaces. The airport features beautiful glass jet bridges, large boarding areas, a pet-relief area, nursing rooms, and a children’s play area. In addition, the new airport values inclusivity, featuring all-gender restrooms, family restrooms, a quiet room, sensory room, and many other features.
One of the coolest additions to the airport includes the Kansas City Air Travel Experience, a flight experience simulator, installed to ease the mind of those who may be apprehensive to fly. It features a guided air travel experience in an actual decommissioned Airbus fuselage, allowing the space to gain a true-to-life experience with check-in, security screening, boarding and flight procedures, in a calm and controlled atmosphere.
Art in the Terminal
The new KCI airport is also littered with subtle but beautiful references to its former self, and the culture of Kansas City. One of the biggest Kansas City cultural references you will encounter is this sparkling statue, created in ode to the “City of Fountains,” which Kansas City is also known as.
The cascading, curved lines of this statute shine like reflecting water, and capture the eye of the beholder. Immediately when you pass through security at the airport, or when you are about to exit the airport, you will encounter this approximately 24-feet tall creation crafted by Leo Villareal. The sculpture is made of steel, LEDs, electrical hardware, and custom bespoke software that is used to individually customize the 37,824 programmable LED nodes.
Further in the terminal, in concourse B, you will find these suspended pieces constructed from alto saxophones.
“Ornithology” was created by Willie Cole, and is a collection of brass birds, made in tribute to Kansas City native and jazz artist, Charlie “Yardbird” Parker and his 1946 song titled “Ornithology.” Kansas City is rich in jazz history, and these pieces of art are equally historic, as they were constructed in the 18th & Vine District in Kansas City, otherwise known as the “jazz district.”
Additionally, if you look closely at the floor near the gates, you will find 39 mosaic medallions that were preserved from the old airport’s terminal A and placed into the new airport. The old Kansas City terminal was regarded as being unique, largely because of its blue floor, that included these medallions. Many locals find this ode to the old terminal nostalgic and will remember former days and tender memories at the previous airport. Each medallion is special, and they were originally handmade in Italy in the early 2000s and installed into the old KCI terminals.
When Kansas Citians heard medallions from the old terminal B and C were going to be demolished, there was an overwhelming call to save them. So, the Kansas City Art Commission selected an additional 50 additional medallions to be salvaged (and possibly installed in an expansion to the new airport, if that day comes).
You can read more about all the pieces mentioned here and all the rest of the public art in the new terminal and parking garage.
Shopping & Dining in the Terminal
Kansas City’s culture can also be reflected through food and goods. In the terminal, you will also find over 50 vendors, many of which are local shops and food vendors, such as Made in Kansas City Marketplace, The Market at 18th & Vine, City Market Retail (homage to the City Market in the River Market neighborhood, near downtown KC), and Messenger Coffee Co.
Of course the airport features several barbecue meal offerings, including The BBQ Spot, where travelers can pick up BBQ rubs, spices, and more—all manufactured in Kansas City. These are just a handful of the many dining and shopping options travelers coming through KCI can enjoy.
So, if you are coming to Kansas City to study with the Applied Language Institute, we hope you will take a look around as you walk through Kansas City International Airport and think of all the hard work, thought, and effort that went into creating a special space for you to be welcomed into our city!
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