Des Moines Airport: Size, Scale, And Scope Explored

The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a multi-use airport located south of Des Moines, Iowa. Covering 2,625 acres of land, the airport has expanded significantly from its original 160-acre site. It features two runways and handles a large volume of passenger traffic, with a record 2.48 million passengers in 2016. The airport has a complex RWY configuration, including intersecting runways, and its location can make it challenging for pilots to find at night.

The airport covers 2,625 acres, expanding from its original 160-acre site

The Des Moines International Airport covers a vast area of 2,625 acres, a significant expansion from its original 160-acre site. The airport's history dates back to 1929 when the Iowa General Assembly passed a law enabling cities to sell bonds and levy assessments to fund the construction of municipal airports. After considering over 80 potential sites, the decision was made to build the airport on farmland south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa.

Construction of the Des Moines Airport commenced in 1932 and was completed in 1933, with the first passenger terminal built soon after. The airport has undergone numerous expansions and renovations over the years. The original 160-acre site has been transformed, with the airport now boasting a much larger area of 2,625 acres, or 10.6 square kilometres.

The airport's elevation sits at 958 feet, and it features two runways: Runway 5/23, which is 9,004 feet by 150 feet, and Runway 13/31, measuring 9,001 feet by 150 feet. The airport is located at the western edge of a large residential area, presenting a unique challenge for pilots, especially during night-time landings. To navigate safely, pilots are advised to utilise tools such as ILS, GPS, and VOR.

Over the years, the Des Moines International Airport has experienced substantial growth in passenger numbers. In 2016, the airport recorded a record-breaking 2.48 million passengers, reflecting a 5% increase from 2015. The airport continues to serve a significant number of passengers, with approximately 50,000 people travelling through during the busy spring break season.

It has two runways: 5/23 and 13/31

Des Moines International Airport (IATA: DSM) has two runways: 5/23 and 13/31. The runways intersect, with TWY D running parallel to 5/23 and TWY P running parallel to 13/31. Runway 5/23 is 9,004 feet long and 150 feet wide, while Runway 13/31 is 9,001 feet long and 150 feet wide. The airport covers 2,625 acres of land, with the runways, 46 buildings, 7 parking facilities, and the terminal all included in its campus.

The airport is located 5 miles southwest of Des Moines, Iowa's capital, and was built on farmland south of the city. The airport's elevation is 958 feet. It is a joint civilian-military commercial service airport and is managed by the Des Moines Airport Authority.

Due to construction work to modernize the airport, Runway 5/23 was closed for about a month in October 2024, with all aircraft operations taking place on Runway 13/31 during that time. The construction was expected to bring new and updated amenities and allow for expanded air service to better serve central Iowa travelers.

The airport has two concourses, with gates used by several different airlines, including American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport has seen a steady increase in passenger traffic over the years, serving a record 2.92 million passengers in 2019.

The airport is located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa

The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The airport covers 2,625 acres (1,062 ha) at an elevation of 958 feet (292 m). It has two runways: 5/23 is 9,004 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m); 13/31 is 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m). The airport's location makes it a bit challenging for pilots to find at night. To mitigate this challenge, pilots can utilise navigation tools such as ILS, GPS, and VOR.

The airport has a rich history, with its construction beginning in 1932 on 160 acres of farmland south of the city. It was completed in 1933, and the first passenger terminal was built shortly after. The airport has expanded several times since its initial construction and continues to do so. In 2024, work on a new terminal project is set to begin, with an estimated cost of $769 million.

The airport is a multi-use facility with a variety of services and businesses located on-site. It serves a significant number of passengers, with a record 2.48 million passengers using the airport in 2016. The airport also accommodates different types of aircraft, including those used for flight training and by the Iowa Air National Guard.

The Des Moines International Airport is easily accessible and provides convenient connections for travellers. It is well-equipped to handle a high volume of passenger and aircraft traffic, ensuring efficient operations and a smooth travel experience for those passing through.

A record 2.48 million passengers used the airport in 2016

The Des Moines International Airport witnessed a record-breaking year in 2016, with 2.48 million passengers travelling through its terminals. This marked a 5% increase in passenger traffic compared to the previous year, 2015. The airport has continued to experience growth, with 2.9 million passengers in 2019, surpassing the 2016 record.

The airport's expansion plans, approved by Polk County voters in November 2023, aim to accommodate this growing passenger traffic. The plans include the construction of a new terminal building, replacing the current one, with a minimum of 18 gates and the option to expand up to 22 gates. This new terminal is designed to handle twice as many annual passengers as the existing structure, which was operating above capacity.

The current terminal at Des Moines International Airport was built in 1950 and has undergone multiple expansions and renovations over the years. The airport itself covers 2,625 acres of land, featuring two runways, 46 buildings, 7 parking facilities, and the terminal. Despite construction and expansion projects, the airport experienced back-to-back record years in 2023 and 2024, serving 3.1 and 3.2 million passengers, respectively.

The increase in passenger numbers has emphasised the need for improved infrastructure. In 2024, the airport announced plans to introduce new nonstop routes to Boston and Jacksonville, as well as restoring a direct flight to Philadelphia. These additions are expected to further boost passenger numbers in the coming years, highlighting the importance of ongoing expansion projects to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.

The airport was originally governed by the City of Des Moines' Parks Department

The Des Moines International Airport is a large airport, covering 2,625 acres (1,062 ha) of land, with an elevation of 958 feet (292 m). It has two runways: 5/23 and 13/31, both measuring around 9,004 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m). The airport has expanded significantly from its original size of 160 acres (0.65 km2) when construction began in 1932.

In the 1960s, recognising the need for specialised management, the City of Des Moines established a separate Aviation Department to oversee the airport's operations. This shift marked a transition from park management to a more focused and dedicated aviation authority. The Aviation Department was responsible for the airport's operations and management for the next two decades, during which the airport continued to expand and develop.

In 1982, further emphasising the importance of specialised governance, the City of Des Moines established the Aviation Policy Advisory Board. This board provided additional expertise and guidance in aviation-related matters, ensuring that the airport's governance was aligned with industry standards and best practices. The establishment of this board also reflected the increasing complexity and importance of airport operations, particularly as the airport continued to expand and serve a growing number of passengers and aircraft.

Finally, in 2011, the City of Des Moines transferred control of the airport to the Des Moines Airport Authority. While the city retained ownership of the land, it entered into a 99-year lease agreement with the public authority. This transition marked a shift towards a more independent and specialised management structure for the airport, allowing for focused development and strategic decision-making.

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