Southwest Airlines and American Airlines say they "simply cannot grow" in Kansas City without a new, single terminal and asked the Kansas City council members to jump onboard
The airport committee presented it's "unanimous" recommendation to city council Tuesday, suggesting they ditch KCI Airport's current design and build a new, one-terminal airport.
City officials and the airlines have pushed for the one-terminal plan saying it would be cheaper than renovating the airport due to its current layout.
They also said it would allow for technology upgrades, more restaurants, children play areas, business lounges and an airline club.
Critics have argued it would cost too much and do away with the simplicity and convenience of the current design.
A closer look at the new terminal
The one-terminal design the council approved will build a new centralized terminal at the now closed Terminal A site.
Arrivals and departures will be split on two levels.
A new central parking garage will be built.
Here's a closer look at the @KCIAirport recommendation (new terminal, garage, separate arrival & departure lanes) pic.twitter.com/8oPcjfAo4G
— Ariel Rothfield KSHB (@arothfield) April 26, 2016
A timeline of what’s next
The airport committee would like the measure to be placed on an August ballot. Voters will ultimately decide KCI Airport’s future.
In the past, the airport committee has said the final design will take about 18 months to complete.
Construction would take about three to five years.
The airport committee and city council have said the new terminal will not be paid for by general taxpayer dollars. Instead, the construction will be funded by passenger ticket fees, parking revenues, concessions, grants and other special interests.
-------
Ariel Rothfield can be reached at Ariel.Rothfield@KSHB.com.
