KCI and Southwest Airlines are celebrating 35 years of partnership.
Aviation and city officials held an 80s themed celebration at the Southwest gate Wednesday morning. The airline started serving the metro in 1982.
Nearly one-third of all KCI passengers fly through Southwest. It's the busiest tenant and plans for more growth.
It's also vital Kansas City keeps it that way. The big debate on whether to rebuild or renovate the airport is still on hold. New talks could come in April in the form of neighborhood meetings. Aviation officials told 41 Action News the question could even be on the November 2017 ballot.
City council is still attempting to unite in a decision, while getting apprehensive voters to back a new, single-terminal airport. Reports showed rebuilding is cheaper than renovation.
Southwest is among several major airlines pushing for a rebuild, to accommodate larger planes and give passengers more room. The airlines even suggested to help finance it.
KCI is aging and outdated, and requires extensive maintenance anyway.
Major Sly James said the city is essentially sitting on its hands about the KCI decision, and that's opening the door for a sort of border war.
Kansas Governor Sam Brownback said he's considering a new airport in his state to compete with KCI. The discussions are in beginning stages.
Mayor James said Missouri can't allow that type of competition, especially because Kansas "won" the speedway, Sporting KC park, Cerner, and the American Royal.
While these talks continue, Southwest says they're looking forward to a continued partnership with KCI. They just announced direct, nonstop flights to Austin will begin in March.
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Sarah Plake can be reached at Sarah.Plake@KSHB.com
