Economic study shows impact MCI has on the region

Since Kansas City International Airport's (MCI) 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, MCI 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 MCI in its history with over 12.1 million passengers traveling to and from the airport.

In total, MCI 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, MCI's economic output grew 25% ($5.02 Billion).

Both studies were conducted by Unison Consulting using the same methodology. You can find the report on the Kansas City International Airport website, on the master plan page under deliverables.

"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" says 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" says 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.

Total impact of the Kansas City Aviation Department

The Kansas City Aviation conducted a similar study of Kansas City Downtown Airport - Wheeler Field (MKC) with data from 2023, showing its economic impact totaling over $625 million.

You can find more information on that report here.

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The Kansas City Airport System is an Enterprise Fund Department of the City of Kansas City, Mo., and is supported wholly by airport user charges. No general tax fund revenues are used for the administration, promotion, operation, or maintenance of the airports in the system.

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Media with questions may contact Jackson Overstreet, Public Information Officer for the Kansas City Aviation Department, at [email protected].