Kansas City International Introduces Free Aira Service for Blind and Low-Vision Travelers

(IN SHORT) Kansas City International Airport has introduced Aira, a free in-airport service connecting blind and low-vision travelers to live visual interpreters via a smartphone app. Agents guide users through terminal navigation, gate finding, kiosk operation and security processes by describing video feeds in real time. Normally a subscription service, Aira is offered at no cost within MCI, with downloads available on iOS and Android. Airport leadership emphasizes this addition as part of their mission to ensure inclusive, autonomous travel. Aira joins other accessibility enhancements—such as sensory-friendly quiet spaces, adult-sized changing tables in restrooms and the Kansas City Air Travel Experience—underscoring MCI’s comprehensive approach to serving all passengers.

(PRESS RELEASE) KANSAS CITY, MI, 2025-Aug-5 — /Travel PR News/ — Kansas City International Airport (MCI) has launched a complimentary accessibility service designed to enhance the travel experience for passengers who are blind or have low vision. Dubbed Aira, this offering links travelers via a smartphone app to certified visual interpreters who provide live, audio-based guidance. Through the service, users can stream real-time video from their device cameras as agents describe surroundings, assist with wayfinding in terminals, help locate departure gates, operate check-in kiosks and navigate security checkpoints with confidence.

“True accessibility means every traveler should feel welcomed and empowered when they walk through our airport doors,” stated Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “By introducing Aira at no cost, we reaffirm our commitment to serve every community member, giving those with vision impairments the support they need for independent travel.”

While individuals ordinarily subscribe to Aira for personal use, MCI offers the app free of charge—available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play—so that any qualifying passenger can access on-demand visual assistance without subscription fees.

“Delivering a first-class travel experience for all airport users is at the heart of our mission,” said Melissa Cooper, Director of Aviation. “Integrating Aira empowers travelers with vision challenges to move through our facilities more autonomously.”

This initiative complements other recent accessibility upgrades at MCI, including the Kansas City Air Travel Experience program, accessible restrooms equipped with adult-sized changing tables, and dedicated quiet zones for passengers with sensory sensitivities such as autism or PTSD.

The Kansas City Airport System operates as an Enterprise Fund Department of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, funded entirely by airport user charges, with no reliance on general tax revenues for airport operations or upkeep. For further details, visit FlyKC.com or follow @FlyKC on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT
Sherae Honeycutt
Sherae.Honeycutt@kcmo.org

SOURCE: Kansas City Aviation Department