DSM International Airport

06/18/2026

✈️ Throwback Thursday ✈️

Good news: You can still park this close at DSM. 😎

Some things have changed over the years, but a long hike from your car to the terminal isn't one of them.

This photo, which we estimate was taken sometime between 1970 and 1973, shows a parking lot that would look very different today. Where these rows of cars once sat, our parking garage now stands. Beyond it, you can spot Duck Pond and Fleur Drive stretching across the horizon.

As we've been sorting through decades of airport photos, we've uncovered snapshots like this one that capture just how much DSM has evolved. As construction of our new terminal continues, the landscape around DSM is evolving once more, creating the next chapter in the airport's history. One thing that won't change? Convenient parking close to the terminal.

Does anyone remember parking in this lot? Drop your comments below.

06/15/2026

⚠️ TRAFFIC ALERT FOR DSM TRAVELERS ⚠️

Construction work begins today as DSM continues preparing for future growth and the new terminal.

Travelers should expect traffic delays near the terminal due to roadway improvements and curbside construction.

✈️ Flying out today? Please allow extra time to reach the airport, especially if you're being dropped off.

🚗 Picking someone up? Avoid curbside congestion and use DSM's FREE EZ-PICKUP program in the parking garage. Simply park in a designated EZ-PICKUP stall, text your stall number to your passenger, and have them meet you directly at your vehicle.

Thank you for your patience as we continue building the future of DSM.

06/14/2026

⚠️ Starting Tomorrow Morning: Expect Delays at the Terminal Curb ⚠️

Construction activity will temporarily reduce traffic to a single lane at portions of both the commercial and passenger curbs, starting Monday, June 15.

Please allow extra travel time and consider using our free EZ-PICKUP lot to avoid waiting at the curb.

Thank you for your patience as we continue construction on DSM's new terminal project.

📍 EZ-Pickup Information: https://www.flydsm.com/passengers/at-the-airport/ez-pickup

EZ-Pickup is a new system designed to reduce congestion at the front curb and improve the pickup experience for Iowans.

06/12/2026

🚧 We're paving the way for the future at DSM. 🚧

Beginning June 15, construction will impact traffic flow near the terminal as crews prepare roadways that will serve the new terminal for decades to come.

✈️ Flying out? Arrive a little earlier than usual.

🚗 Picking someone up? Use DSM's FREE EZ-PICKUP program in the parking garage and avoid curbside delays.

Thank you for your patience as we continue building the future of DSM.

06/11/2026

✈️ Throwback Thursday ✈️

As we continue sorting through decades of airport history while preparing for our move to the new terminal, we keep uncovering treasures like this one.

This photo captures a very different DSM. From the iconic control tower and "Welcome to Des Moines" sign to the snow-covered ramp below, this building welcomed generations of travelers to Central Iowa.

Unfortunately, many of these photos weren't labeled, so we're guessing on some timelines! Based on the architecture, equipment, and vehicles in the photo, our best guess is that this image was taken sometime in the late 1960s or early 1970s.

Do you remember this version of DSM? Share your memories in the comments; we'd love to hear them. ❤️

06/07/2026

In just a few days, those renderings of our new Rental Car Center will become a reality.

Beginning June 10, all rental car pickup and return services will move to the new Rental Car Center, located just a quick, free 4-minute shuttle ride from the terminal (just south across from the Grey Economy lot).

We're excited to welcome travelers to this beautiful new facility and the next chapter of the DSM experience.

Learn more by visiting FlyDSM.com.

06/05/2026

We're less than one week away from opening DSM's new Rental Car Center.

Beginning June 10, all rental car pickup and return services will move from the terminal to the new facility, located just a quick, free 4-minute shuttle ride away.

The new Rental Car Center is designed to make your rental car experience simple, convenient and efficient.

More information and a dedicated web page coming soon ...

06/04/2026

✈️ Throwback Thursday ☁️

As we prepare for our move to the new terminal, we've been uncovering pieces of DSM history along the way. Tucked inside a box of old photos were these incredible snapshots of a place many Iowans remember fondly ... the Cloud Room.

Located on the second floor of the original terminal, the Cloud Room wasn't just a restaurant. It was a destination. Families celebrated special occasions there, enjoyed dinner with a view, and watched airplanes take off through the large windows.

When we shared these photos, Terri immediately recognized the scene:

"Oh my gosh! I remember that entrance, and those chairs and booths! I do remember getting all dressed up because it was kind of a fancy place. We had to walk up a staircase. We always got the table by the big windows so that we could watch the airplanes take off while we ate our dinner. Then at the end, they would bring us a little cup of ice cream."

Stories like Terri's are a reminder that DSM has always been more than a place to catch a flight.

Do you remember dining in the Cloud Room? We'd love to hear your favorite memories in the comments. ❤️

05/30/2026

Dear people parked at the curb waiting for a passenger whose plane is still taxiing... we need to talk. 😂

First, a huge THANK YOU to everyone using EZ-PICKUP! 🚗💨

You're helping keep traffic moving, reducing curbside congestion, and making arrivals smoother for everyone. We see you, and we appreciate you. 👏

Now, a friendly note to our 10 p.m.–midnight crowd... 👀

EZ-PICKUP isn't just for daytime travelers. It works after dark, too. In fact, those late-night arrivals are when it can make the biggest difference!

Remember: the curb is for active pickups, not extended stays. 😄

Let's keep traffic moving and make late-night arrivals easier for everyone. Thanks for doing your part to keep DSM flowing!

05/26/2026

Repost ... 😍