Des Moines International Airport

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Des Moines International Airport is one of the easiest airports I’ve traveled through. Check-in and security were efficient, the terminal was clean and well laid out, and the signage made it simple to get around. Staff were friendly and helpful, and everything felt organized from curb to gate. Great small-airport experience—stress-free and convenient. Would happily fly through DSM again. The food and coffee options were solid for an airport this size, and I appreciated having plenty of seating and charging outlets near the gates. Even the restrooms were spotless, which says a lot. Overall, DSM feels well-managed and traveler-friendly.

What a wonderfully clean airport. Many food locations to choose from and place to sit and charge up before your flight. With the expansion under way - going to be a great new terminal.

is currently undergoing a major $557 million expansion known as the Lift DSM project, with a new terminal scheduled to open in January 2027. For today, February 4, 2026, operations remain normal at the existing terminal, though travelers should be aware of ongoing construction near the terminal and a new rental car facility opening in June 2026. The Des Moines Register The Des Moines Register +3 Today's Flight Information (4 February 2026) The airport currently serves 37 nonstop destinations. Arrivals: Recent morning arrivals include flights from Detroit (DTW) at 9:41 AM, Atlanta (ATL) at 10:30 AM, and Dallas (DFW) at 10:50 AM. Departures: Scheduled afternoon departures include flights to Washington (DCA) at 1:16 PM, Denver (DEN) at 1:35 PM, and Phoenix (PHX) at 2:34 PM. Status: FAA status is currently NORMAL, with minor gate hold or taxi delays of 15 minutes or less. Des Moines International Airport Des Moines International Airport +3 See more Construction & Terminal Updates New Terminal Opening: A one-year countdown began in late January 2026; the new 360,000-square-foot terminal is set to open in mid-January 2027 with six new gates. New Routes: Five new or returning flights are launching in 2026, including service to Burbank, Philadelphia, Fort Myers, Chicago (Southwest), and Phoenix (Frontier). Rental Car Facility: A new rental car center is under construction on the south side (across from the Grey Lot) and is expected to open in June 2026. Des Moines International Airport Des Moines International Airport +4 Passenger Services & Parking Location: 5800 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. Parking Rates: Short-Term: First 20 mins free; ~$30–$36 daily max. Long-Term: First 20 mins free; ~$10–$15 daily max. Economy: As low as $6 daily. Amenities: The current terminal offers free Wi-Fi, Hudson News shops (pre- and post-security), and three full-service restaurants. New TSA Policy: As of February 1, 2026, travelers 18+ without a REAL ID must use TSA ConfirmID and pay a $45 fee to have their identity validated. Des Moines International Airport Des Moines International Airport +4 For real-time updates, visit the official DSM website or check the Flight Status page.

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is a small, clean, and easy-to-navigate airport, making travel smooth and stress-free. The staff are friendly, and security lines are usually quick. Currently, construction work for airport expansion is in progress, which may cause minor inconvenience, but signage is helpful. Facilities are decent with a few dining and seating options. Overall, DSM is a convenient airport, and the ongoing expansion looks promising for future travelers.

My biggest complaint with this airport is the front entrance. It can get kinda chaotic since there’s only one way in for cars and not a lot of free parking. I’d keep this in mind if you’re on a tight schedule and looking to leave/enter this place. I’d factor in an extra 20-30 mins at least. I definitely think they should expand the airport a bit to accommodate increased traffic. That being said, the interior of the airport is very clean and nice. Easily the best airport in the state. No problems whatsoever with boarding. There’s a bunch of reasonably priced direct flights to places like Denver for instance. Again only real issue is getting in and out of the airport in your car.

Parking is ok. It’s well kept and clean. It’s a very small airport so easy to find ur way around . Nvr rly have to stand n lines here cause it’s just not busy whenever I bn there. Over all for a small town this airport is all around good. Bathrooms r always clean and well kept. Easy walk to ur car. Small and nice .

I'm not thrilled about gate A5B. Its downstairs (elevator available). The only concession is vending machines. I'm too tired to be bothered.