FAA study on proposed KCI changes expected in April

KANSAS CITY, MO. - An FAA study looking into the feasibility and cost to bring a new single terminal to Kansas City International Airport  is now expected to be presented to the city council in April.

The $4 million study is being paid for entirely by the FAA. The airport had hoped the study would be finished in January, but an airport spokesman says the FAA needs more time to make sure the project stays on budget.

The KCI project will be funded entirely by passenger and airline fees, as well as federal funds. No local taxpayer money will be used.

Although Kansas City natives love the convenience of KCI, airport leaders say the current design of the airport is inefficient for airlines costing Kansas City flights.

The study not being expected until April pushes back the timeline to begin construction. Airport officials were optimistic they could pick an architect as soon as this summer. Now they anticipate it will be in the fall.

Still, they believe they can have a new airport open for passengers in 2019.