Des Moines International Airport Statistics

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is Iowa’s busiest airport and the primary air gateway for central Iowa. It connects Des Moines to destinations across the United States through multiple partner airlines.

Des Moines International Airport handles more than 3 million passengers annually. It set a new record in 2025, reflecting a strong recovery from pandemic-related declines.

• The airport served 3.25 million passengers in 2025, a 2.2% increase from 3.18 million in 2024, marking the third consecutive year it exceeded 3 million passengers.
• In 2019, the airport reached 2.92 million passengers before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Passenger traffic dropped to 1.30 million in 2020, a 55% decline, then rebounded to 2.17 million in 2021.
• Recovery continued with 2.81 million in 2022 and 3.10 million in 2023.

Major U.S. carriers share operations at DSM relatively evenly, with American Airlines holding the largest share.

• In 2025, American Airlines accounted for 28.2% (919,087 passengers) of annual passenger volume.
• United Airlines followed with 21.2% (690,459 passengers).
• Allegiant Air held 18.5% (602,637 passengers).
• Delta Airlines made up 17.5% (569,575 passengers).
• Southwest Airlines represented 12.6% (411,336 passengers).
• Other airlines, including Frontier Airlines (1.6%) and charter operators, combined for 1.9% of the annual volume.

As of the end of 2025, Des Moines International Airport (DSM) offered a record-setting 35 nonstop routes.

• The airport added six new routes throughout the year, including new destinations like Boston and Los Angeles.
• The route network includes major airline hubs and popular leisure destinations, serving both business and vacation travelers.
• All current routes are domestic, with no scheduled international service available.

Des Moines International Airport processes more than 30 million pounds of freight annually, supporting regional shipping and e-commerce.

• DSM handled 32.32 million pounds of cargo in 2025, continuing a decline from previous highs.
• The airport handled 74.97 million pounds of cargo in 2019.
• Volume slightly dipped to 74.71 million pounds in 2020.
• A pandemic-related surge brought the total to 75.60 million pounds in 2021.
• The recent peak came with 75.75 million pounds in 2022.
• A decline followed, with 62.63 million pounds in 2023, and the downward trend continued into 2024 with 51.33 million pounds of cargo.

• December 2, 1978: A Douglas DC-3 cargo aircraft, N41447, undershot the runway at Des Moines Municipal Airport and struck a dirt bank about 300 feet short of the runway. Both crew members survived, though one was seriously injured. NTSB cited pilot misjudgment as the probable cause, with icing conditions as contributing factors.¹
• November 25, 1985: A Rockwell International 500S Shrike Commander, N81589, owned by Iowa State University, crashed during approach to Des Moines while returning from the NCAA Championships. The aircraft was carrying members of the women’s cross-country travel party. The pilot and six passengers were killed.²
• January 2024: A severe winter storm brought blizzard conditions and extreme cold to central Iowa, disrupting flights at Des Moines International Airport. Available sources confirm weather-related cancellations but do not confirm a full airport closure or more than 100 cancellations.³