Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport

The 1927 dedication ceremony was attended by Charles Lindbergh, who had recently completed his legendary transatlantic flight.

Charles Wheeler Downtown Airport

900 Richards Rd, Kansas City, MO 64116 (Map)
Built: 1927
Style: Municipal Airport
Area: Downtown

Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, located just north of downtown Kansas City, Missouri, has played a central role in the city’s aviation history since its opening in 1927. Originally known as Municipal Airport, it was established to replace the outdated and space-constrained Richards Field in Raytown, which could no longer meet the needs of a growing aviation industry.

Richards Flying Field was located at the southeast corner of Blue Ridge Blvd and Gregory Blvd.

The idea for a new airport was championed by Lou Holland, who served as president of the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce beginning in 1925. Holland believed that the future of transportation would include air travel for both passengers and freight. He also understood that maintaining the U.S. Army's aviation operations in Kansas City required improved airport facilities. Despite early resistance from City Manager Henry F. McElroy—who viewed aviation as a short-lived novelty—Holland persisted in promoting the development of a new airport.