The Des Moines International Airport (DSM/KDSM) is located 3 miles to the southwest of the capitol of Iowa, Des Moines. The airport is a public use airport overseen by the Des Moines Airport Authority. The airport has two runways, 5/23 & 13/31, both 9,003′ long. In 2019, the airport saw 2,919,904 passangers with the number expected to grow post COVID-19. The airport operates out of a single terminal with two concourses. Concourse A serves Allegiant Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines and Concourse B serves American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Frontier Airlines. The airport has been in negotiations over the past few years to construct a completely new terminal as they are quickly outgrowing their current building and should be expected to begin construction within the next decade.

As of December 2020 the airlines and destinations are as follows: Allegiant Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlinesm, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport is also home to a large cargo operation with FedEx and UPS operating to over ten destinations. There are also quite a few general aviation, cargo, and military aircraft operating in the airport as well.

Written by Sam Thomas and Dennis Zeng. Last change: October 2025 (Spots 6 and 7 added)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
05/23	9,003ft/2,744m – Asphalt and Concrete
17L/35R	9,002ft/2,744m – Asphalt
Terminals	Single terminal shared by all airlines operating at the airport. Terminal divided into two concourses A and B.
Concourse A	Various airlines.
Concourse B	Various airlines.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not Required at all.
Car/Public Transport	Required for all spotting locations.
Restrooms	Located inside terminal and grocery store and gas stations across the street from main terminal.
Drinks/Food	Limited options inside terminal, fast food, grocery store, and gas stations surronding the airport.
Hotels	Various hotels located on Fleur drive near the airport with a good view from the parking lots on the 13 approach.
Season	Summer & Winter lighting is very good. Fall & spring can be challanging with lighting and weather.
Security	Never had any issues with security here.
Runway Usage
General Info	Runways are arranged in an “X” configuration. There is not usually a pattern followed by the airport regarding runway usage. Usually one active runway in use being used for the arrivals and departures at the airport.

	Spot #1 – Parking Garage – All movements (ramp + runways)
WHERE	Located on top of the short & long term parking structure. Go in through short term parking gate and go up parking garage to the top level. There is a small hourly charge to access this location when using a vehicle and then position yourself either at the northern or southern end as explained below…
WHAT	There are two locations at this parking garage (North & South). North: This side is used when aircraft are landing or departing on runway 5/23. This is espically good when aircraft are landing and departing on runway 23 as you are able to get close and unobstructed shots of the aircraft. This side is also good for spotting any aircraft using the signature flight support. Is is not uncommon for charter jets to use this location including 737’s. South: This side is used when aircraft are landing or departing on runway 13/31. You are also able to get close photos of the aircraft landing and departing but I much prefer the north side for photos.
TIME	Summer and Winter mornings have the best lighting at this location. You are able to see all aircraft from this location but lighting can be challanging espically during the fall and spring months.
MISC.	It is hard to get photos without obstacles on the lower levels. There is stairs and elevators to the terminal on all levels with access to restrooms and the gift shops and restrooms. It can get very bitter cold in the winter months and I reccomend keeping your car running to stay warm in between aircraft arrivals and departures. In summer haze may be a problem sometimes.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

	Spot #2 – Fleur Cinema Parking Lot – 23 Arrivals
WHERE	Located on the corner of Fleur & McKinley Avenue. Drive behind the Hyvee grocery store and park in the cinema parking lot and then position yourself on one side of the arrival path.
WHAT	This spot is only usable when aircraft are landing on runway 23. It can be trickey to see aircraft incoming due to trees so you have to be on top of everything to get usable shots from this location.
TIME	This spot can be used all day actually as you can easily change sides of the arrival path here. However, the northern side never gets light from fall to spring.
MISC.	Parking lot can be very busy with the local businesses. It is best to lay low and only leave vehicle when taking photos to avoid any issues.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-300mm

Taking on both sides of the arrival path:

DSM-Spot2

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	Spot #3 – Universal Insurance Parking – 23 Movements
WHERE	Located directly across the airport on MiKinley Avenue. Pull into the parking lot and it gives a nice view above the airport directly looking at runway 23 and the airport terminal.
WHAT	This location is good for spotting aircraft landing and deparing runway 23, utilizing Signature flight services and can be useful for spotting aircraft arriving and deparing terminal.
TIME	This location is only good in the late spring and summer months. The lighting is good in the afternoon to sunset and can allow for great photos due to its uniquie viewpoint.
MISC.	There are a two business’ operating out of this small building so it is better to visit the place not during the business hours (8-5).  Otherwise if you’re the only person there it’s possible they wouldn’t care if you were out of the way and just gave them a heads up in the office. They are aware of plane spotters there.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #4 – Grey Parking Lot – 31 Arrivals
WHERE	This location is the Des Moines International Airport Grey Parking Lot. Follow any signage at the airport or on the surrounding roads to find this location.
WHAT	This location is good for aircraft landing on runway 31.
TIME	The lighting is good past noon to sunset. If there is snow on the ground it allows for amazing lighting and reflections on the aircraft.
MISC.	You can definitely get some people looking at you when using this area. The fees are 2$ for each hour and 7$/daily.  Check the official website for more info.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #5 – Electrical Power Products Parking Lot – 05/23 movements
WHERE	This location is located southwest of the junction of Army Post Rd & SW 42nd Street. Pull into the parking lot and park in the first row of spots facing the north and then just spot from one of the elevated areas here: either the parking, the meadow a bit to the west or the sidewalks around here.
WHAT	This location is good for aircraft arriving and departing on runway 05/23 thus actuallyall movements on this runway.
TIME	This spot can be used year around till the mid afternoon. Lighting can be espically good in the spring and fall months.
MISC.	This is another fully operating business and you must be respectful of their propety. I try to come when they are not operating to avoid any issues.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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	Spot #6 – SW 46th St – 13 arrivals and 31 departures
WHERE	The spot is at the junction of SW 46th St / SW McKinley Ave. Two dirt roads which runs along the perimeter fence on the west side of the airport property. Best access is from the north via Park Ave. From there turn south into SW 46th St and drive all the way till you see the runway to the left.
WHAT	13 arrivals and 31 departures are possible to photograph there.
TIME	The lighting is good  past noon to sunset.
MISC.	Pretty remote spot and nothing close. No ladder needed as the runway is elevated.
FOCAL LENGTH	200mm for 737 departure

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	Spot #7 – Casey Pizza/Clarion Hotel – 31 arrivals
WHERE	At Army Post Rd you can either stay at the parkings of Casey`s Pizza restaurant or the Clarion Hotel on the opposite side of it.
WHAT	31 arrivals only. 13 departures are too high from here.
TIME	Only a good spot in the summer morning hours.
MISC.	Keep in mind it is private property! Everything need provided at the locations.
FOCAL LENGTH	737 = 90mm; 717 = 120mm

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