Des Moines airport (DSM)
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German Giudici
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Creator of the Aeropuertos del Mundo website network since 2007.
Location details, contact information, airlines, departure and arrival flight status, transportation, facilities and services, parking, special passenger amenities, nearby hotels and answers to passengers' frequently asked questions.
Passenger Guide
Des Moines International Airport (IATA: DSM), opened in 1933, is the primary commercial airport in the state of Iowa, serving the Des Moines metropolitan area and offering domestic passenger flights and key hub connections across the United States.
Official Website: flydsm.com
Phone: +1 515-256-5050 | Airport Operations Center (24/7): +1 515-256-5000
Terminals
It features a single passenger terminal building connected to two concourses (Concourse A and Concourse C). The terminal remains open 24 hours a day (TSA security checkpoints close overnight following the last departure and reopen around 4:00 am). A new 295,000-square-foot, 19-gate terminal building (LiftDSM project) is under construction, with opening scheduled for 2027.
Annual passenger traffic (2025): 3.25 million passengers.
Information Desks
Information and assistance are available in the baggage claim area, along with 24/7 support from the Airport Operations Center (+1 515-256-5000).
Location
The airport is located 5 km (3 miles) southwest of downtown Des Moines, at 5800 Fleur Drive, Iowa.
See MapWhat services does Des Moines airport (DSM) offer?
The terminal features various passenger amenities and services:
Finance and Connectivity
- Wi-Fi: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the terminal via Boingo, supported by Verizon 5G ultra-wideband coverage.
- ATMs: Available in both pre-security public areas and post-security concourses.
- Charging stations: Power outlets and charging stations are installed in gate seating areas and public lobbies.
- Business facilities: Business center in Concourse A and meeting rooms on the Skywalk level.
Food and Drinks
A pre-security food court offers quick dining options, while post-security concourses (Concourse A and Concourse C) feature three full-service restaurants, as well as coffee shops and grab-and-go kiosks.
Shopping
Hudson convenience stores with self-checkout kiosks operate post-security, offering souvenirs, books, magazines, and travel essentials, along with specialty retail such as Tech On The Go (electronics and accessories) and 5th & Sunset (sunglasses). Duty-free shopping is not available.
Baggage Services
SmarteCarte luggage trolleys are provided in baggage claim (USD 6 with a USD 1 refund upon return). Luggage storage lockers are not available due to TSA federal safety regulations.
For items lost in public terminal areas or checkpoints, contact the airport administration office on the second floor or submit an online lost item report. For items left aboard an aircraft, contact the operating airline directly.
Other Services
Private nursing pods, water bottle refilling stations, and postal drop boxes.
Car rental agencies
Car rental services are centralized at the Rental Car Center (RCC), located at 2540 Leland Ave. A dedicated, complimentary airport shuttle bus operates 24/7 between the curbside outside baggage claim and the RCC for both vehicle pick-up and drop-off.
Available Agencies
Desk operating hours vary by company, while the 24/7 shuttle transit to and from the RCC facility runs continuously.
Parking services at Des Moines airport (DSM)
The airport features extensive covered and surface parking facilities managed 24/7 by SP+ Parking, featuring security monitoring and overhead sensor guidance systems.
Parking Facilities
- Garage Hourly: Covered parking facility directly opposite the terminal. The first 2 hours are free of charge.
- Garage Daily / Long-Term: Expanded covered garage with over 2,900 spaces. Rates: USD 2.00 per hour and USD 21.00 per day.
- Blue Economy Lot: Open-air lot with rates of USD 2.00 per hour and USD 14.00 per day. Includes free shuttle bus service to the terminal running every 10 to 15 minutes.
- Grey Economy Lot: Surface economy lot at USD 2.00 per hour and USD 8.00 per day, with free shuttle transit.
- Red Economy Lot: Surface economy lot at USD 2.00 per hour and USD 7.00 per day, with free shuttle transit.
- Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free waiting lot for motorists picking up arriving passengers.
Important Considerations
Grace Period: The Garage Hourly offers the first 2 hours completely free, making it ideal for quick pick-ups and drop-offs.
Vehicle Assistance: Free motorist assistance (battery jump-starts and tire inflations) is available 24/7 from SP+ Parking at +1 515-202-9114.
Facilities for passengers with special needs
Des Moines International Airport provides accessible infrastructure in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Accessibility and Facilities
The terminal features accessible ramps, elevators, drinking fountains, and restrooms, as well as three all-gender family restrooms (one in the pre-security lobby near baggage claim and two post-security). All airport shuttle buses are fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible.
Special Assistance Requests
Travelers requiring wheelchair assistance or escort services should notify their airline in advance of travel or request assistance at the airline ticket counters upon arrival.
The TSA Cares helpline assists passengers with disabilities or medical conditions through screening checkpoints (request at least 72 hours prior to flight departure).
Specialized medical paratransit transport from the airport can be arranged via private operators such as Fraser Medical Services (+1 515-284-1111) and Midwest Ambucare (+1 515-252-0022) with advance booking.
Families and Service Animals
Dedicated private lactation suites (nursing pods) are available in the terminal. Service animals are permitted throughout the facility. Unaccompanied minor services must be arranged directly with individual airlines.
Latest updates: September 27, 2026
Airports in United States