Iowa’s Des Moines Airport Starts Work On $445 Million Terminal

des moines international airport
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Des Moines International Airport (DSM) in Iowa has broken ground on a new passenger terminal, which will increase the number of available gates at the airport to 18.

The $445 million terminal is set to replace the airport’s existing terminal, which has 12 gates.

Jake Christensen, chair of the Des Moines Airport Authority board, says in a statement that the new terminal is “a symbol of progress, innovation and the unwavering commitment to serve our community as an economic engine.”

The terminal will partially open in late 2026, according to DSM.

DSM handled 2.1 million passengers in the first eight months of 2023, up 11% year-over-year. 

American Airlines is the leading carrier at the Iowa hub, with a 28% passenger market share in August. United Airlines is DSM’s second-biggest carrier, with a 24% share in August, followed by Delta Air Lines at 17%, ULCC Allegiant Air at 16% and Southwest Airlines at 13%.

Aaron Karp

Aaron Karp is a Contributing Editor to the Aviation Week Network.