Where is dsm airport

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located in Des Moines, Iowa, approximately 5 miles southwest of downtown Des Moines. The airport serves as Iowa's largest and busiest airport, handling over 2.8 million passengers annually and operating with a single terminal that has 14 gates.

Key Facts

DSM is located at 5800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, Iowa 50321, USA
The airport covers 2,625 acres of land
DSM served 2,828,319 passengers in 2023
The airport has one terminal with 14 gates
DSM is a hub for Allegiant Air and serves 7 major airlines

Overview

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) serves as the primary aviation gateway for Iowa's capital city and surrounding regions. Located in Polk County, the airport operates as a vital transportation hub connecting central Iowa to national and international destinations. The airport's strategic position makes it accessible to over 1.7 million residents within a 100-mile radius, supporting both commercial and cargo operations throughout the Midwest.

The airport's history dates back to 1933 when it began operations as a municipal airfield. Significant expansion occurred in the 1940s with military use during World War II, followed by major terminal renovations in the 1960s and 2000s. Today, DSM operates as a modern facility with ongoing infrastructure improvements, including a $445 million terminal modernization project completed in phases between 2019 and 2023 to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

How It Works

DSM functions as a comprehensive aviation facility with multiple operational components.

Terminal Operations: The airport features a single, modern terminal building spanning 580,000 square feet with 14 gates serving both domestic and limited international flights. The terminal is divided into concourses A and B, with Concourse A handling mainline carriers and Concourse B serving regional operations. The facility includes 12 security screening lanes and processes approximately 7,500 passengers daily during peak travel periods.
Airline Services: DSM hosts 7 major airlines offering nonstop service to 23 destinations across the United States. Allegiant Air maintains its largest Midwest hub at DSM with 15 nonstop routes, while American, Delta, United, and Southwest provide extensive connectivity through their respective hub networks. The airport averages 120 daily departures and arrivals during normal operations.
Cargo Operations: The airport supports significant cargo activity through its dedicated cargo facilities handling over 100 million pounds annually. FedEx and UPS maintain regional sorting facilities at DSM, while DHL operates scheduled cargo flights. The airport's cargo apron covers 25 acres with direct access to Interstate 80 for ground transportation connectivity.
Ground Transportation: DSM offers comprehensive ground transportation options including rental car services from 8 companies, taxi and rideshare pickup zones, and public bus connections via the DART system. The airport features 5,200 parking spaces across short-term, long-term, and economy lots, with real-time availability tracking through the airport's mobile app.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Des Moines International (DSM)	Omaha Eppley Airfield (OMA)
Annual Passengers (2023)	2.83 million	5.12 million
Terminal Size	580,000 sq ft	1.1 million sq ft
Number of Gates	14 gates	24 gates
Nonstop Destinations	23 cities	38 cities
Cargo Volume	100M+ lbs annually	150M+ lbs annually
Parking Capacity	5,200 spaces	8,500 spaces

Why It Matters

Economic Impact: DSM generates approximately $1.2 billion in annual economic activity for central Iowa, supporting over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. The airport contributes $650 million in direct economic output through airline operations, concessions, and related services, while generating $85 million in state and local tax revenue annually.
Regional Connectivity: The airport provides essential air service to Iowa's population centers, with 85% of the state's residents living within 90 minutes' drive of DSM. This connectivity supports business travel for Iowa's major industries including insurance, agriculture, and manufacturing, while enabling tourism that brings an estimated $450 million in visitor spending to the region each year.
Infrastructure Development: Recent $445 million in terminal improvements have enhanced passenger capacity by 40% and improved operational efficiency through modernized baggage handling systems and expanded security checkpoints. These investments position DSM for future growth, with master planning anticipating capacity for 4 million annual passengers by 2035.

Looking forward, DSM continues to evolve as a critical transportation asset for Iowa's growing economy. The airport's strategic development plan includes potential runway extensions, additional gate capacity, and enhanced international facilities to support expanding global connections. As central Iowa's population and economic activity continue to increase, DSM's role as a regional aviation hub will become increasingly vital for maintaining competitive connectivity and supporting sustainable growth across multiple sectors.