FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 — Kansas City

DOMESTIC EVENT NOTICE AND FLIGHT ADVISORY

Kansas City, Missouri

June 16 – July 11, 2026

Explanation of Changes. This notice provides pre-flight planning, arrival and departure procedures, airport parking information, traffic management guidance, and flight advisory/airspace restriction information for the FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 matches hosted at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

Background

The FIFA Men's World Cup 2026 will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 – July 19, 2026. Kansas City is one of 11 U.S. host cities. Arrowhead Stadium will host six (6) matches including a Round of 32 and a Quarterfinal. Significant increases in general aviation, charter, and commercial traffic are expected on each match date and surrounding days.

This document does not supersede restrictions contained in other FDC NOTAMs.

Table 1. Kansas City Match Schedule

Pre-Flight Planning

Your careful reading and adherence to the procedures in this document are essential to maintaining safety during these events. Flight planning should include thorough familiarity with Notice procedures and knowledge of primary and alternate airports. Keep a copy available for in-flight reference.

General Planning

Upon arrival at any KC-area airport, check with your FBO about outbound routing. Preferred routes will be used to facilitate flow into and out of multiple local area airports.

Fuel and ground transportation will be provided at designated parking locations. Based on the significant volume of aircraft expected, ground movement will be restricted to facilitate a safe and efficient airport environment.

Runway crossings for passenger pickup/drop-off (ramp-to-ramp) and miscommunicated parking assignments will not be authorized.

International arrivals: file your APIS once you have secured your arrival reservation from the FBO and contact CBP telephonically. MCI CBP/FIS: contact your FBO for current CBP coordination phone numbers.

Reservation Tracking System

The Kansas City Aviation Department has partnered with Jose Hernandez to develop a reservation program to increase transparency and awareness of airport capacity. Customers should contact airports or FBOs directly to acquire a reservation. The reservation program is open now.

Prior Permission Required (PPR) — Flight Advisory

Due to the high volume of air traffic anticipated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a Prior Permission Required (PPR) for Non-scheduled transient General Aviation Aircraft is required for arrivals and departures, including drop-and-goes, to and from MKC, MCI, IXD, OJC, LXT, and GPH during the following time frames. June 16th from 1400 PM to 2000 PM CST (1900Z on 6/26 to 0100Z on 6/27), July 3rd from 1430 PM to 2030 PM (1930Z on July 3rd to 0130Z on July 4th) and July 11th from 1400 PM to 2000 PM (1900Z on 7/11 to 0100Z on 7/12) Z). The PPR may be expanded based on traffic demand on the following dates: June 19th, June 20th, June 25th, and June 27th. Check current NOTAMS for updates.

The following flights are exempt from this reservation program: regularly scheduled air carriers and air taxi operations, including flights operating under Title 14, Chapter II, Subchapter D, Part 380, which covers Essential Air Service under the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). Expect the following Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to be published approximately 7 days in advance.

Below is an example of the PPR NOTAM.

!MKC XX/XXX MKC AD AP CLSD TO NON SKED TRANSIENT GA ACFT EXC PPR SIGNATURE AVIATION 816-842-8484 2606161900-2606170100

NOTE: The ramp reservation program at MKC, MCI, OJC, IXD, LXT and GPH applies to both VFR and IFR arrivals during the Advisory timer frame described above. Except for emergency situations, flights without an approved “Slot Reservation Confirmation Number,” air files, and change of destination requests from airborne flights to program airports will not be accepted. Operators must include the assigned Prior Permission Required (PPR) # in the Remarks section of the flight plan.

Other airports (i.e., 3GV, 3EX and LRY) - especially those within a 50 NM radius of KMCI - are projecting a potential increase in operations, and parking at surrounding airports may be unavailable. Operators should check NOTAMs carefully and expect significant delays in and out of the area.

Include your assigned parking zone in the remarks section of both your inbound and outbound flight plans.

Once an airport reaches parking capacity, the FBO will transition to drop-and-go only operations. Reservations are airport-specific — confirm your assigned airport before filing.

Table 2. PPR Airport Parking Overview

Reservations are coordinated directly with the airport FBO. Once an airport reaches parking reservation capacity, FBOs will transition to drop-and-go operations only.

Table 3. FBO Contact Numbers

VFR Operations

Due to the high volume of traffic in the Kansas City metropolitan area, VFR arrivals can expect lengthy delays during peak traffic periods. In addition, VFR departures from the Kansas City area should not expect to obtain an airborne pickup of IFR clearance within 150 NM of their point of departure.

Practice approaches, touch-and-goes, flight following services and pilot training operations at airports in the Kansas City metropolitan area will be extremely limited and possibly prohibited during this time period, due to the high volume of traffic associated with the FIFA World Cup

Class B airspace requirements apply. Contact Kansas City Approach Control a minimum of 10 NM from entering Class B airspace on the following frequencies below. Class B violators will be aggressively pursued.

Table 4. ATC Frequencies

SECURITY Provisions

Special security provisions may be in effect for this event, including, but not limited to, Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), two-way radio communications, and discrete transponder requirements.

Specific NOTAM procedures may be revised, and arrivals to some airports possibly restricted so please review NOTAMs frequently to verify you have the current information.

TFRs are normally disseminated via FDC NOTAM, 3 to 5 days prior to the event. Once published, text and graphic depictions of the restrictions may be accessed at: http://tfr.faa.gov/tfr2/list.html.

Below is a draft of the anticipated TFR

At the request of the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice, the Federal Aviation Administration will establish airspace restrictions over certain FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events. NOTAMs will be issued depicting 99.7 “Special Security Instruction” Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to be implemented as follows:

Under the authority granted by 49 U.S.C., the FAA may apply restrictions within airspace under its jurisdiction. Any person who knowingly and willingly violates these restrictions may be subject to certain criminal and/or civil penalties. Pilots who violate security TFRs or procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by Law Enforcement/Security Personnel. They may also be subject to the following actions:

1. The FAA may take administrative action, including imposing civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of airmen certificates;

2. The United States Government may pursue criminal charges, including charges under Title 49 of the United States Code, Section 46307;

3. The United States Government may use deadly force against the airborne aircraft, if it is determined that the aircraft poses an imminent security threat.

AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 MATCHES:

Within a 3 Nautical Mile Radius (NMR) and up to 3,000ft AGL, unless otherwise authorized by ATC, all aircraft operations are prohibited in the vicinity of the following locations. Check NOTAMs for exact dates, times, and restrictions:

Table 5. TFR Location and Dates for Event

UAS ACTIVITY IN THE VICINITY OF FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SPONSORED EVENTS:

Within a 1 Nautical Mile Radius (NMR) and up to 1,000ft AGL, unless otherwise authorized, all UAS operations are prohibited in the vicinity of the following locations. Check NOTAMs for exact dates and times:

Table 6: TFR Location and Dates for Fan Events

AIRPORT DIAGRAMS

Airport diagrams with parking overlays are provided below. Hot spots are noted for situational awareness. Diagrams are for planning purposes only and are NOT for navigation.

Figure 1. Kansas City Metro Airport Overview — All distances in Nautical Miles from Arrowhead Stadium

MCI — Kansas City International Airport

Hot spots: (1) HS1 — Intersection near Terminal area; be alert to ground vehicle and aircraft conflicts. (2) HS2 — Area near Air Carrier Hardstand; monitor clearances. (3) HS3 — Near Joint Cargo/Cargo A6; limited clearance, high traffic. (4) HS4 — Intersection near A1/A2 and south Fire Station; complex intersection, readback all instructions.

Frequencies: Tower 128.2/254.25 | Ground 121.8 | Clearance Delivery 135.7 | D-ATIS 128.375

Figure 2. MKC Vicinity and Airport Diagram

MKC — Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport

Hot spots/notes: (1) Taxiway B between RWY 1/19 and RWY 4/22 CLOSED during World Cup construction moratorium — use alternate routing as directed by Ground. (2) RWY 4/22 may be closed for overflow parking — confirm availability before taxi. (3) VVIP area has restricted access — do not taxi in without explicit Ground authorization.

Frequencies: TOWER: 133.3 | GROUND:121.9 | ATIS: 120.75 |

Figure 3. OJC Airport Diagram

OJC — Johnson County Executive Airport

Hot spots: HS1 — Near Taxiway J at south end of RWY 18/36; ILS hold area, exercise caution. West-2 and East-1 aprons designated for World Cup parking.

Frequencies: ATIS 119.35 | Tower 126.0 | Ground 121.6 | CTAF 126.0

Figure 4. IXD Airport Diagram

IXD — New Century AirCenter

Hot spots: HS1 — Runway intersection near center of field; be alert to crossing clearances. RWY 4/22 may be closed for overflow parking — confirm before taxi.

Frequencies: Tower 133.0 | Ground 124.3 | ASOS 135.325

Figure 5. LXT Airport Diagram

LXT — Kansas City/Lee's Summit Regional Airport

RWY 11/29: CLOSED — used for aircraft parking during World Cup. All operations on RWY 18/36 only.

Frequencies: UNICOM/CTAF 122.8 | CLNC DEL 118.45 | ASOS 124.175

Figure 6. KGPH Airport Diagram

KGPH — Midwest National Air Center

Apex Aero Center Ramp: located mid-field on east side, accessible via TWY C. Single runway (18/36) — 5,502 ft x 100 ft. Coordinate fuel, handling, and ground transportation prior to arrival.

Frequencies: CTAF/UNICOM: 122.7 | CLEARANCE DELIVERY: 118.2 | WX: 120.275

Airport Parking Overview

The following table summarizes available parking across KC-area airports. All parking requires a PPR reservation during event periods. FBOs will transition to drop-and-go once their capacity is reached.

Table 8. KC-Area Airport Parking Summary

Figure 7. Kansas City Metro Overview

Arrival Procedures

All KC-Area Airport Arrivals

Be familiar with all TFRs or other restrictions contained in FDC NOTAMs that may be active at your expected arrival time.

Expect, Plan, and Prepare to land on any available runway. Runway assignment may be determined or changed with short notice based on weather, traffic volume, ground flow, wind, assigned parking, and instrument approach availability.

Advise Tower on initial contact of your assigned parking zone/FBO. Be sure to identify both location and FBO name (e.g., "Parking Signature East").

All arriving GA and charter aircraft should be on an active IFR or VFR flight plan with a discrete beacon code assigned by ATC.

MCI Arrivals

MCI is the primary commercial airport. GA parking is at the FBO (SFS) ramp and designated overflow areas — see Airport Parking section.

Air Carrier Hardstand and Terminal Apron are available for commercial and large charter operations.

CBP/FIS facility is available at MCI. International arrivals coordinate via FBO.

Construction note: FedEx temporarily relocated to Haith Cargo apron (south of B1). TWY B will be open full-length June 1 – July 15. Deice apron (former B/C terminals) open for approximately 15 ADG III hardstand parking positions (spots 4–18), with some ADG IV/V capable positions.

MKC Arrivals

MKC (Charles B. Wheeler Downtown) is a high-capacity GA airport located near Arrowhead Stadium.

Parking areas: Signature West, Signature East, Signature Overflow, Atlantic, Atlantic Overflow, Charter ramp, and VVIP area — see Airport Diagram.

Construction moratorium in effect June 1 – July 14. Taxiway B between Runways 1/19 and 4/22 will be closed. Monitor NOTAMs.

Runway 4/22 may be used for overflow parking if needed. FBOs monitor reservation counts to determine when to shift to drop-and-go.

LXT Arrivals

Lee's Summit Regional (LXT) is a GA overflow airport southeast of KC.

Runway 11/29 is planned to be closed and used for additional aircraft parking during World Cup.

Parking areas: North Apron, East Apron, South Terminal Apron — see Airport Diagram.

OJC Arrivals

Johnson County Executive (OJC) in Olathe, KS serves as GA overflow.

West-2 Apron: 20–25 light jets. East-1 Apron: 10–15 light jets.

Once ramp capacity is reached, a NOTAM will be issued and tower advised. No further arrivals without PPR.

IXD Arrivals

New Century AirCenter (IXD) in Olathe, KS serves as GA overflow.

RWY 4/22 (closed for parking if needed): 35–40 large business jets. Southwest Transient Apron: 15–20 midsize to large jets. East Transient Apron: up to 10 small to midsize jets.

KGPH Arrivals (Remote Overflow)

Midwest National Air Center (Mosby, MO) — Apex Aero Center Ramp accommodates up to 17 large aircraft.

Used as remote overflow when KC-area airports reach capacity. Ground transportation coordination required.

Departure Procedures

MCI Departures

MCI will initiate Gate Hold / flow management procedures during peak traffic times. Check MCI ATIS for active procedures.

All departing aircraft should obtain clearance via Clearance Delivery (135.7) before requesting taxi.

Once MCI reaches capacity, the FBO transitions to drop-and-go only; additional parking arrivals will be redirected.

MKC Departures

MKC Tower will sequence departures during peak post-match departure pushes. Monitor ATIS/CTAF for active flow procedures.

Departure push windows: typically 1.5–3 hours post-match and the following morning (07:00–11:00 local).

Runway 4/22 may be in use for parking — confirm runway availability with Ground prior to taxi.

Departure Routing — General Guidance

Routing for all KC-area airports will be coordinated with ZKC (Kansas City ARTCC) TMU.

All departing aircraft must be on an active IFR or VFR flight plan and squawking a discrete ATC-assigned beacon code prior to departure.

Refer to the MCI and MKC Route Advisories (provided via PPR reservation system) for specific preferred IFR and VFR departure routes. Both advisories are coordinated by ZKC TMU and will be updated as the event approaches.

MCI Preferred Arrival Routes by Origin ARTCC

The following preferred routes apply to aircraft arriving at MCI, organized by origin ARTCC:

ZLA/ZAB: LBL..STASN.WUTNG3.KMCI

ZFW/ZHU: TUL..STASN.WUTNG3.KMCI

ZME/ZJX/ZMA/ZTL: KRTNY.MHOMS3.KMCI

ZID/ZDC: FAM..KRTNY.MHOMS3.KMCI

ZID/ZDC: SPI..BULET.RUDDH3.KMCI

ZAU/ZOB/ZNY/ZBW: BULET.RUDDH3.KMCI

ZDV/ZOA/ZSE/ZLC/ZMP: DPEAK.JSONN4.KMCI

Note: Operators should verify preferred routes via PPR reservation system or ZKC TMU prior to departure. Subject to revision.

MKC Preferred Arrival Routes by Origin ARTCC

The following preferred routes apply to aircraft arriving at MKC, organized by origin ARTCC:

ZLA/ZAB: LBL..CNU.JHAWK8.KMKC

ZFW/ZHU: TUL..CNU.JHAWK8.KMKC

ZME/ZJX/ZMA/ZTL: SGF.TYGER7.KMKC

ZID/ZDC: FAM..SGF.TYGER7.KMKC

ZID/ZDC: SPI..IRK.BQS8.KMKC

ZAU/ZOB/ZNY/ZBW: IRK.BQS8.KMCI

ZDV/ZOA/ZSE/ZLC/ZMP: DPEAK..JSONN..BOWLR..MCI..KMKC

Note: Operators should verify preferred routes via PPR reservation system or ZKC TMU prior to departure. Subject to revision.

Frequencies and Phone Numbers

Table 9. ATC Frequencies

Table 10. Key Phone Numbers

Traffic Rates and Management Initiatives

Specific VFR and IFR arrival/departure rates for MCI and all satellite airports are contained in the FAA ZKC Traffic Management Unit (TMU) event plan. The following guidance applies:

Table 11. VMC/IMC Arrival/ Departure Rates

Anticipated Traffic Management Initiatives

Miles-in-Trail (MIT) restrictions

Fix Balancing for arrivals

Ground Delay Programs (GDP) at MKC during peak arrival windows.

Ground Stops (GS) if airport saturation is reached.

Airborne Holding

PPR system serves as advance demand management — operators without reservations may be held or turned away.

EDCT (Expect Departure Clearance Time) may be issued for departing aircraft during departure push periods.

Minutes-in-Trail for departure spacing

Departure reroutes for saturation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will local traffic be restricted from June 16 through July 11th?

No, local traffic will not be restricted for the entire duration. However, there will likely be an impact on match days from 8 hours before the match until 3 hours after the match.

2. Do we have to make a reservation on the online tool if we are a local pilot?

The FAA has no requirement to use the reservation tool. However, the tool is strongly encouraged to increase awareness and visibility into traffic volume and parking availability.

3. Can we operate VFR during the World Cup?

Yes, the FAA will be providing VFR services throughout the entirety of the World Cup. However, there may be times when VFR services will be restricted or canceled due to volume and complexity.

4. With the arrival rates and parking limitations, are there enough slots in the reservation tool?

The online reservation tool has ample reservations available. At this time, the tool has fewer reservations for the entire World Cup (206) than would be expected for a single day.

5. If we file a VFR flight plan, do we still need a PPR?

Yes, the PPR is to support the ground operation, inclusive of parking, fuel, and support both VFR and IFR aircraft must comply with the PPR. However, the PPR will be in effect only during certain time frames and applies only to non-scheduled transient aircraft.

6. Should we request both a reservation and a PPR?

Yes, ideally, you would request a reservation and a PPR through the airport FBO. The Reservation tool helps manage traffic flow into the Kansas City Metro Area, while the PPR focuses on ground movement at the airport. The PPR is required as described above, and the reservation tool is strongly encouraged but not mandated.