Evacuated Kansas City airport terminal reopens after authorities find ‘no credible threat’

Operations resumed at Kansas City International Airport on Sunday afternoon, March 8. Earlier, authorities temporarily evacuated Kansas City airport sections of the terminal following a reported potential threat. The Kansas City Aviation Department said it received a call Sunday morning about a possible device inside the airport terminal and in the parking garage. As a precaution, officials evacuated parts of the terminal while law enforcement assessed the situation.

“The Kansas City Aviation Department is aware of a situation at Kansas City International Airport (MCI). As a precaution, the department has evacuated sections of the Airport Terminal. Airport Police are working with the FBI to substantiate any potential threat. Updates to follow,” the airport posted on X.

Final update on Kansas city airport: Terminal and parking garage cleared

Airport police and other agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), conducted checks to determine whether the threat was credible. During the incident, travelers were evacuated from the terminal and inbound flights were held on the taxiway away from the gates.

Authorities later determined there was ‘no credible threat.’

“Final update: The Airport Terminal and Parking Garage are both open and operational,” the airport said in a subsequent update.


According to the aviation department, the evacuation lasted about two hours as officials worked to ensure passenger safety and evaluate the reported threat.

Suspicious vehicle investigated after Kansas City airport evacuated

While conducting a sweep of the airport’s parking garage, K9 units identified a vehicle on the top floor as suspicious. Following standard protocol, Kansas City Police Department Bomb and Arson investigators were called to the scene, and the garage remained closed for roughly three additional hours.

After examining the vehicle, authorities confirmed it posed no threat.

The airport later announced that airline operations were gradually returning to normal. “Airline operations are recovering at Kansas City International Airport. The airport parking garage remains closed. We'll update when the garage is re-opened,” the airport posted earlier during the incident.

Authorities also encouraged reporting any suspicious activity immediately. “As always, the KCAD and FBI encourage anyone who becomes aware of anything suspicious or concerning to report that to law enforcement.”

Federal officials respond after Kansas airport evacuation

Several US officials also addressed the situation publicly. Kash Patel confirmed the threat had been investigated and found not to be credible.

“Threats like these are a federal crime,” Patel posted on X. “FBI and law enforcement partners will fully investigate and bring to justice anyone responsible.”


Meanwhile, US Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy thanked authorities for their swift response. “The safety of passengers, airport staff, and crew members is always our number one priority,” Duffy said.


Several flights were diverted following the evacuation at the airport. Southwest Airlines confirmed that four flights headed to Kansas City International Airport were diverted during the incident. According to KSHB 41 News, the aircraft were temporarily redirected to Denver, St. Louis, and Wichita until operations resumed at the airport.