Kansas City International Airport was briefly evacuated Sunday after authorities responded to reports of a potential device inside the terminal and in a nearby parking garage.
According to the Kansas City Aviation Department, officials received a call Sunday morning reporting a possible device at the airport, prompting an immediate response from airport police and multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As a precaution, airport staff evacuated travelers from portions of the terminal while inbound flights were held on taxiways away from the gates. Authorities worked to assess the situation and ensure the safety of passengers and employees.
After an investigation, law enforcement determined the threat was not credible. Airport officials then began the process of resuming normal operations, with the evacuation lasting approximately two hours.
During a sweep of the airport parking garage, K9 units identified a vehicle on the top level as suspicious. Following protocol, the Kansas City Police Department Bomb and Arson Unit was called to investigate, and the garage remained closed for an additional three hours while officers examined the vehicle.
Authorities later determined the vehicle posed no threat.
The airport terminal reopened shortly before 2 p.m., allowing normal flight operations to resume.
In a statement on social media, Kash Patel said the FBI and its partners quickly secured the area and confirmed the threat was not credible.
“Terminal has been swept, cleared, and normal operations resumed,” Patel wrote, adding that federal authorities will continue investigating the incident.
Sean Duffy also thanked responding agencies for their swift response.
“The security incident at Kansas City is now clear and normal operations are resuming,” Duffy said. “I want to thank law enforcement including the FBI for their timely response.”
Airport officials reminded travelers that anyone who notices suspicious or concerning activity should report it to law enforcement.
