Kansas City International Airport Launches New Service to Support Travelers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has introduced a free accessibility service aimed at improving the travel experience for individuals who are blind or have low vision.

The service, known as Aira, connects users to trained visual interpreters through a smartphone app. These professionals offer real-time audio assistance to help users confidently navigate terminals, locate gates, operate kiosks, and move through security checkpoints.

"True accessibility means every traveler should feel welcomed and empowered when they walk through our airport doors, " said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "The Aira service embodies our commitment to ensuring that Kansas City International Airport serves all members of our community, giving travelers who are blind or have low vision the real-time support they need to navigate our terminals with complete confidence and independence."

Aira users stream video through their phone cameras, allowing agents to describe the environment and provide navigation support. The service is particularly helpful in busy airport settings, enabling greater freedom and ease for those who may need visual guidance.

The Aira app is available free of charge in the Apple App Store and Google Play. While individuals typically pay a subscription for personal use, Kansas City International offers the service at no cost within the airport, making it easier for travelers to access on-demand support.

“Core to our mission is delivering a first-class travel experience for all of our airport users,” said Melissa Cooper, Director of Aviation. “Adding Aira gives passengers with vision impairments a new level of autonomy when moving through our airport.”

In addition to Aira, Kansas City International Airport has implemented other features to enhance accessibility, including the Kansas City Air Travel Experience, accessible restrooms which include adult-sized changing tables, and quiet spaces for individuals with sensory sensitivities such as autism or PTSD.

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 fund tax revenues are used for the administration, promotion, operation, or maintenance of the airports in the system.

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