
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a multi-use airport located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. It covers 2,625 acres of land and is elevated 958 feet above the ground. The airport was built on a 160-acre plot of farmland in 1933 and has since expanded several times. More than 2 million passengers fly in and out of the airport each year, with over 160 flights daily.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Des Moines International Airport (DSM) |
| Address | 5800 Fleur Drive Des Moines, IA 50321 |
| Year of Construction | 1932-1933 |
| Area | 2,625 acres (10.6 km²) |
| Elevation | 958 feet (292 m) |
| Number of Runways | 2 |
| Runway 5/23 Length | 9,004 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m) |
| Runway 13/31 Length | 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 m) |
| Number of Gates | 17 |
| Number of Airlines | >8 |
| Number of Direct Flight Destinations | >20 |
| Number of Annual Passengers | 2-2.5 million |
| Owner | City of Des Moines |
| Operator | Des Moines Airport Authority |
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What You'll Learn

The airport is located south of Des Moines, Iowa
The Des Moines International Airport is located south of Des Moines, Iowa. It is situated at the western edge of a large residential area. The airport covers 2,625 acres of land and is at an elevation of 958 feet. It has two runways: 5/23, which is 9,004 by 150 feet, and 13/31, which is 9,001 by 150 feet.
The airport was established in 1933 on 160 acres of farmland south of the city. Over the years, it has expanded significantly and now covers over ten square kilometres. The airport has a long history, with its first passenger terminal built shortly after its completion, and a new terminal constructed in 1950. The current terminal has also undergone multiple expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing aviation needs of the region.
Des Moines International Airport serves as a multi-use airport, catering to both passenger and cargo operations. It experiences a significant amount of air traffic, with over 2 million passengers passing through each year and over 160 flights daily. The airport provides direct connections to more than 20 major US cities, making it a vital transportation hub for the region.
The airport is governed by the Des Moines Airport Authority, although the city retains ownership of the land. In recent years, the airport has continued to develop, with interior renovations completed in 2010 and plans for a new terminal building announced in 2022. These improvements aim to enhance the airport's functionality and capacity to meet the evolving demands of air travel.
Located at 5800 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, the airport is easily accessible and plays a crucial role in connecting the region to the rest of the country. With its continuous growth and development, Des Moines International Airport is a vital gateway to and from the city of Des Moines, Iowa.
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It covers 2,625 acres of land
The Des Moines International Airport is located in Iowa, south of the city of Des Moines. It is situated at the western edge of a large residential area. Covering 2,625 acres of land (equivalent to 1,062 hectares or 10.6 square kilometres), the airport has expanded significantly from its original size.
When the airport was first constructed between 1932 and 1933, it occupied 160 acres of farmland. The airport has since expanded multiple times, growing well beyond its initial footprint. The expansion has allowed for the addition of new terminals, concourses, and other essential infrastructure.
The vast land area of 2,625 acres provides ample space for the airport's operations and facilitates efficient air traffic management. This includes two runways: runway 5/23, measuring 9,004 feet by 150 feet, and runway 13/31, measuring 9,001 feet by 150 feet. The length of these runways enables various aircraft, including large commercial planes, to take off and land safely.
The large expanse of land also accommodates other essential facilities and services associated with a busy international airport. This includes cargo operations, general aviation services, and parking spaces for commercial aircraft. The airport's expansion has allowed for the addition of new gates, with plans for further expansion to accommodate the growing demand for air travel in the region.
The Des Moines International Airport serves as a significant transportation hub, with over 2 million passengers passing through each year. It offers more than 160 flights daily, including 20 or more direct flights to major US cities. This extensive flight network contributes to the airport's vital role in connecting Des Moines to the rest of the country and facilitating easy access to the region.
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It has two runways
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, at the western edge of a large residential area. The airport covers 2,625 acres of land and has two runways.
The first runway, 5/23, measures 9,004 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 metres). The second runway, 13/31, is slightly shorter at 9,001 by 150 feet (2,744 x 46 metres). These runways are part of the airport's RWY configuration, which also includes intersecting RWYs. The TWY system provides access to the services and businesses located within the airport.
Due to the airport's geographical location, it can be challenging for pilots to find at night. To navigate to the airport safely, pilots are advised to utilise all available navigation tools such as ILS, GPS, and VOR. Additionally, pilots should exercise caution when landing over raised lights in the over-runs and runway thresholds, and always back up visual approaches with instrument approaches or GPS waypoints to ensure correct alignment.
The Des Moines International Airport handles a significant amount of air traffic, with over 160 flights and 2 million passengers annually. The airport caters to various airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, offering direct flights to more than 20 major US cities.
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It's a multi-use airport
The Des Moines International Airport is a multi-use airport located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa. It is situated at the western edge of a large residential area. The airport covers 2,625 acres of land and has an elevation of 958 feet.
The airport has a rich history, with its construction beginning in 1932 and completed in 1933. Initially, it was built on 160 acres of farmland, but over time, it has expanded significantly. The airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the increasing demand for air travel.
As a multi-use airport, Des Moines International Airport serves various purposes and users. It handles both passenger and cargo operations, catering to a wide range of customers, including commercial airlines, private aviation, and military operations.
The airport is home to a variety of airlines, including Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. These airlines offer over 160 flights daily, providing direct connections to more than 20 major U.S. cities. With a record of 2.48 million passengers in 2016, the airport plays a crucial role in facilitating travel and connecting people from across the country.
In addition to commercial flights, the airport also accommodates private aviation. The south quadrant of the airport features a large cargo ramp, catering to the needs of cargo operations and general aviation services. The Iowa Air National Guard utilizes the ramp and service areas on the north complex, highlighting the airport's versatility and support for military activities.
The airport is well-equipped to handle the diverse needs of its users. It has two runways, designated as 5/23 and 13/31, each with specific dimensions to accommodate different aircraft. With ongoing improvements and expansions, the Des Moines International Airport strives to enhance its facilities and services, ensuring a seamless experience for all its users.
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It's challenging for pilots to find at night
The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa, at the western edge of a large residential area. The airport covers 2,625 acres of land, and its elevation is 958 feet. It has two runways: 5/23 and 13/31.
The airport's geographical location makes it challenging for pilots to find at night. This difficulty can be mitigated by utilising all available navigation tools such as ILS, GPS, and VOR. The close proximity of the RWY Hold Short lines to the TWY intersections also poses a challenge for pilots. To address this, the airport has implemented surface painted markings, elevated signage, and wig-wag lights to assist pilots in identifying the Hold Short position. Pilots are encouraged to review the relevant materials, such as NOTAMs, airport diagrams, and VFR charts, to familiarise themselves with the airport layout and any updates.
Additionally, the risk of landing on a TWY (taxiway) when it runs parallel to a RWY (runway) is higher at DSM airport. Pilots should exercise caution when landing over raised lights in the over-runs and RWY thresholds, and it is recommended to back up all visual approaches with an instrument approach or GPS Waypoint to ensure alignment with the correct surface. The TWY system at DSM provides access to the services and businesses located within the airport.
Furthermore, bird activity in and around the airport is prevalent, and pilots should be aware of this potential hazard. The south quadrant of the airport houses a large cargo ramp, while the north complex is utilised by the Iowa Air National Guard. The airport has a Class C airspace designation.
To enhance safety and orderliness, the DSM Air Traffic Control Tower has established practice areas and "transition fixes" for VFR aircraft. These resources are available to pilots who wish to improve their skills in traffic management. The airport is also undergoing expansion plans, with a new terminal building set to be constructed to accommodate the increasing passenger volume, which reached a record 2.48 million in 2016.
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Frequently asked questions
The Des Moines International Airport is located south of the city of Des Moines, Iowa.
The address of the airport is 5800 Fleur Drive Des Moines, IA 50321.
The airport covers 2,625 acres (1,062 ha) at an elevation of 958 feet (292 m).
Airlines that fly out of Des Moines airport include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
More than 2 million people fly in and out of the Des Moines International Airport each year.





















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