Des Moines International Airport

Overview

Des Moines International Airport is the main air gateway for Des Moines, United States, and is classified as a large airport, making it an important access point for both regional and longer-distance travel. Known by the codes DSM and KDSM, the airport sits at an elevation of 958 feet (292 m), a detail that matters more to flight operations than to most passengers but helps explain its formal aeronautical profile. For travelers, the key takeaway is that this is the city’s primary commercial airport and the place most visitors will use when arriving in or departing from central Iowa.

Quick facts

• Airport name: Des Moines International Airport
• Location served: Des Moines, United States
• IATA / ICAO codes: DSM / KDSM
• Time zone: America/Chicago
• Runways: 05/23 at 9,004 ft and 13/31 at 9,001 ft
• Surface and lighting: both runways are asphalt and lighted

For travelers

The airport’s two long, lighted runways support reliable operations in a wide range of conditions, which is reassuring for passengers traveling through a region that experiences all four seasons. If you are planning pickup times, flight connections, or early departures, remember that Des Moines operates on America/Chicago time, so checking local time carefully can help avoid simple scheduling mistakes. Because DSM is the primary airport for the city, it is the most practical starting point for reaching downtown Des Moines and the surrounding area, whether you are visiting for business, events, or a broader Iowa road trip.