Since Kansas City International Airport’s new terminal was opened in 2023, it has seen an increase in travelers, been recognized for several awards for its design and construction and has become a welcoming hub for the Kansas City metro area.
A new study commissioned by the Kansas City Aviation Department (KCAD) as part of its master plan process shows that momentum has turned into real economic output for the region.
Based on data from 2024, KCI has a total economic output of $6.3 billion. That includes directly or indirectly creating nearly 40,000 jobs that total $1.8 billion in total payroll. The study examined the impact of the airport, associated industries, and visitor spending habits.
2024 was the busiest year for air travel at KCI in its history with over 12.1 million passengers traveling to and from the airport.
In total, KCI generated $276 million in state and local tax revenue for Missouri and Kansas, including $102 million in sales tax, $86 million in personal and corporate income tax, and $77 million in property tax.
When compared to the similar study done in 2014, KCI’s economic output grew 25% ($5.02 Billion).
Both studies were conducted by Unison Consulting using the same methodology. The current study is available online on the Kansas City Aviation Department website.
“Kansas City International Airport is the economic driver for our entire region. The on-time and on-budget new single terminal airport has welcomed a record numbers of travelers while generating billions in economic activity and supporting thousands of jobs close to the airport and many more jobs throughout Missouri and Kansas” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Kansas City’s delivery of the new single terminal has lifted Kansas City’s progress as a center for global events, new business development, and long-term growth. Our best days are ahead.”
“Kansas City International Airport welcomes the world to the heart of our region. The economic impact generated as MCI continues to expand signals our presence on the global stage,” said City Manager Mario Vasquez. “When visitors arrive in Kansas City, they experience firsthand what makes our city world class, leading to greater economic investment, increased tourism and new partnerships”.
“When we opened the new terminal in 2023, the Aviation Department and the city as a whole believed this would be a significant addition to Kansas City” said Aviation Director Melissa Cooper. “This study has proven that belief. I am proud of the work my staff and all that interact with the airport on a daily basis to provide the first-class service that keeps travelers coming back and I look forward to seeing how we can continue to grow.
The Kansas City Aviation Department conducted a similar study of Kansas City Downtown Airport – Wheeler Field (MKC) with data from 2023, showing its economic impact totaling over $625 million.