The team delivering the modern and efficient new terminal at Kansas City International Airport is focused on ensuring the facility sets a new high bar for inclusivity, comfort and accessibility.
Developer Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, terminal designer and structural engineer Skidmore, Owings & Merril and the Kansas City Aviation Department are going above and beyond to ensure Kansas City’s future terminal will be inviting and welcoming for all.
The design of the new, one-million-square-foot terminal accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities with features including:
Multi-Sensory Room – a quiet and secure place to encourage a sense of exploration and discovery for children and adults with autism, dementia, or sensory processing disorders.
Meditation Room – for travelers to rest and recharge--mind, body and spirit.
Airplane Simulation Room – for individuals with anxiety or other conditions that may make them fearful of flying. In this room, they will experience and learn about air travel through true-to-life objects like a ticketing kiosk, gate door, passenger boarding bridge, and simulated aircraft cabin.
Variety KC Inclusive Family Play Zone – an inclusive play area designed to be wheelchair accessible with features to support play for children with physical restrictions or disabilities.
Adult-Assist Changing Rooms with Changing Tables – to maximize comfort and accessibility for caregivers and users.
All Gender Restrooms – One large all-gender restroom will be available in each of the concourses, benefitting those who require the assistance of a caregiver of a different gender, and also transgender and gender diverse individuals.
Accessible Family Restrooms – providing families with the space and privacy they may need
Family-Friendly Features in all Restrooms – changing stations with integrated trash receptacles; lower height sinks, so that children may reach the faucets more easily; and an integrated shelf and varied-height hooks in each stall.
Infant Nursing Rooms – providing travelers with a quiet, private space to nurse, pump, or feed their infants.
Service Animal Relief Areas – available in each of the concourses with additional animal relief available outside in an area adjacent to baggage claim.
Additional design features that support accessibility and ease of travel:
Planning Efficiency to Reduce Walking Distances
Gradual Slopes at all Level Changes
Moving Walkways – to support the overall efficiency of moving travelers through the facility and alleviate the additional strain for travelers with reduced mobility.
Raised Crosswalks – providing an easy transition for wheelchair users and persons with reduced mobility; as well as, added safety for all travelers.
Conveniently Located Accessible Parking – accessible parking in the 7-story garage is grouped on the levels adjacent to the Arrivals and Departures levels of the terminal.
Visual Paging – throughout the terminal at major information displays.
Glare Reduction – exterior windows designed to reduce glare for passengers and employees.
Benches with Arm Rests – to support standing up from a seated position.
Accessible Wayfinding Signage and Typography – meets or exceeds ADA requirements.
All Service Desks at ADA Accessible Height – with features such as recessed toe-kicks for approaching customers and adjustable height monitors for employees.
All terminal facilities for both passengers and employees are designed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Kansas City International Airport new terminal is the largest single infrastructure project in the city’s history. The facility will replace the airport’s three aging terminals, which opened in 1972. The new terminal is slated to open in spring 2023.