Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport

MKC originated in 1927 as New Richards Field (replacing the ole Richards Field as Kansas City’s main airport, named for Kansa City airman John Francisco Richards II, who was killed in WWI). Dedicated by Charles Lindbergh, the airport was renamed Kansas City Municipal Airport shortly after. As Trans World Airlines (TWA) was based in Kansas City, they had a prominent presence at MKC. In 1957, MKC was served by Braniff International Airways, TWA, Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Ozark Airlines, and Central Airlines. The airport had a limited area for expansion.
Furthermore, the 200-foot Quality Hill and the Downtown Kansas City skyline to the south meant that aircraft had multiple obstacles to avoid, prompting the FAA to call it “the most dangerous major in the country” in the early 1960s, urging that no more federal funds be spent on it (this prompted the construction of Kansas City International Airport, which opened in 1972 with all scheduled flights relocating there from MKC). As such, the airport focused on private and general aviation. In 2002, it was renamed for Charles Wheeler, who had been mayor when Kansas City International opened.

The airport is located in Clay County, on the north side of the Kansas River and Missouri River confluence. 

• MKC is home to the National Airline History Museum, which generally focuses on aviation history (although most of its artifacts are from TWA, as most of its volunteers are retired TWA employees). Furthermore, there is a TWA Museum at the original terminal. 
• Despite concerns regarding airport safety, Air Force One frequently uses the airport during Presidential visits. 
• On most years, MKC hosts the Aviation Expo air show, usually in August. 
• There are two FBOs, Signature Flight Support and Atlantic Aviation. Furthermore, there are multiple flight schools, charter operations at the airport, and a self-fueling station.