Posted on October 5th, 2026
Des Moines International Airport (DSM/KDSM) is the primary airport serving Des Moines and central Iowa. Located south of the city, DSM handles scheduled airline service, private and general aviation, air cargo, military operations and qualifying international arrivals.
For private jet travelers, DSM combines two approximately 9,000-foot runways with 24-hour air traffic control, private aviation handling, Jet A fuel and U.S. Customs and Border Protection services for international general aviation arrivals.
JetOptions arranges domestic and international private jet charters to Des Moines, including aircraft selection, airport handling and ground transportation.
Flying private to Des Moines? DSM offers long runways, 24-hour air traffic control and dedicated private aviation services close to the city.
Des Moines International Airport serves Iowa’s capital and the surrounding region from its location south of central Des Moines. The airport operates within Class C airspace and has two intersecting runways supporting commercial, private, cargo and other aviation activity.
| Airport Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport | Des Moines International Airport |
| IATA / ICAO | DSM / KDSM |
| Location | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Airspace | Class C |
| Air Traffic Control | 24 hours |
| Runway 5/23 | Approximately 9,000 ft × 150 ft |
| Runway 13/31 | Approximately 9,000 ft × 150 ft |
| Private Aviation | FBO and private aircraft handling available |
| International Arrivals | U.S. Customs and Border Protection available with advance permission |
DSM’s two intersecting runways provide substantial operating capability for business aircraft serving Des Moines. Runways 5/23 and 13/31 are each approximately 9,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, giving private operators flexibility across a broad range of aircraft types and missions.
The airport supports instrument operations with ILS and RNAV procedures. Current FAA procedures include ILS approaches to Runways 5, 13 and 31, RNAV (GPS) approaches to all four runway ends, and CAT II/III capability for Runway 31.
Published runway dimensions do not by themselves determine whether a particular aircraft is appropriate for a flight. Aircraft type, weather, runway conditions, passenger and baggage load, required fuel and other performance factors are evaluated for each charter.
Signature Aviation operates a private aviation terminal at Des Moines International Airport and provides service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The facility supports private and business aircraft arriving in Des Moines for corporate travel, events, government business and other trips throughout central Iowa.
Current services include aircraft parking, heated hangar space, ground handling, GPU service, line service, aircraft detailing and flight-planning facilities, along with passenger and crew amenities. Ground transportation and assistance with international-arrival arrangements are also available.
Signature provides 24-hour private aviation support at DSM, including aircraft handling, ramp parking and heated hangar facilities.
The private terminal also provides passenger and crew facilities and can assist with ground transportation and U.S. Customs and immigration arrangements for international flights.
Des Moines International Airport is approved for international general aviation arrivals and has a designated U.S. Customs area. Private aircraft arriving from outside the United States must follow U.S. Customs and Border Protection permission-to-land procedures before departing for Des Moines.
Current CBP information lists regular inspection service for arriving general aviation aircraft Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Central Time. Pilots must contact CBP directly during regular office hours and obtain permission to land before departure from the foreign location and at least 24 hours before the anticipated arrival at DSM.
Customs availability and entry procedures should always be reconfirmed for the individual flight. JetOptions works with the charter operator and handling resources so the applicable international-arrival procedures are addressed before departure.
DSM’s location south of central Des Moines provides convenient access to downtown, West Des Moines and destinations throughout the metropolitan area. Private travelers can continue directly from the FBO by prearranged chauffeured transportation, rental vehicle or another ground option suited to the itinerary.
As Iowa’s state capital, Des Moines is an important regional center for government, insurance, financial services, agriculture and corporate business. The airport also serves travelers attending major sporting, cultural and statewide events throughout the year.
Private jet travelers use DSM for corporate meetings, government business, university visits, sporting events and trips throughout central Iowa. Its location provides access to the Iowa State Capitol, downtown Des Moines, West Des Moines and the wider metropolitan area without requiring a secondary regional airport transfer.
For business travelers, the combination of 24-hour private aviation support, long runways and proximity to the metro area makes DSM a practical primary airport. Leisure and event travelers can also use the airport for direct access to hotels, entertainment districts, sporting venues and attractions throughout Greater Des Moines.
Des Moines hosts major sporting, cultural and statewide events throughout the year, creating periods of increased demand for private aviation, hotels and ground transportation. DSM provides direct private jet access for event attendees, participants, sponsors, corporate groups and other travelers coming to the metro area.
Held each spring at Drake University, the Drake Relays bring elite, collegiate, high school and other track and field competitors to Des Moines. Relays week also includes races and activities throughout the city, making it one of the area’s signature annual sporting events.
The annual Iowa State Fair is one of Iowa’s signature events, drawing visitors to the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines for livestock competitions, exhibits, entertainment, concerts, food and other attractions.
The Principal Charity Classic is an annual PGA Tour Champions event held at Wakonda Club in Des Moines. The tournament brings professional golfers, sponsors and spectators to the city each year.
JetOptions also arranges private jet travel for major sporting events, races, tournaments and other high-demand dates throughout the United States. Visit our private jet events guide for additional event charter destinations.
The right aircraft for a Des Moines charter depends on the departure point, passenger count, baggage, cabin preferences, required range and other trip requirements. DSM’s approximately 9,000-foot runways provide substantial operating capability, with actual aircraft performance evaluated for the conditions of each flight.
Light jets, midsize and super-midsize aircraft, heavy jets and other business aircraft can serve Des Moines when appropriate for the mission. Longer-range aircraft can also use DSM for nonstop domestic and international charter itineraries when aircraft performance and operating conditions permit.
JetOptions sources aircraft around the individual trip rather than limiting clients to a predetermined fleet. FBO handling and ground transportation in Des Moines can also be incorporated into the itinerary.
Yes. Des Moines International Airport supports private and general aviation in addition to scheduled airline, cargo and other operations. Private aviation handling is available at DSM.
DSM has two intersecting runways, 5/23 and 13/31. Both are approximately 9,000 feet long and 150 feet wide.
The FAA air traffic control tower at DSM operates 24 hours a day, and 24-hour private aviation services are available through Signature Aviation.
Yes. Signature Aviation operates a private aviation terminal at Des Moines International Airport and provides service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Yes. U.S. Customs and Border Protection provides inspection services for qualifying international general aviation arrivals at DSM. Advance permission to land is required, and current CBP procedures require coordination at least 24 hours before the anticipated arrival.
Yes, subject to applicable CBP permission-to-land procedures, inspection availability and other entry requirements. International arrangements should be confirmed for the specific flight before departure.
DSM’s approximately 9,000-foot runways support a broad range of business aircraft. Aircraft suitability is determined for each flight using aircraft performance, weather, runway conditions, passenger and baggage load, fuel requirements and other operating factors.
Recurring events include the Drake Relays, Iowa State Fair and Principal Charity Classic. Private aviation demand can increase around major events, so aircraft, FBO services, ground transportation and accommodations are best planned early for high-demand dates.
JetOptions has specialized exclusively in arranging on-demand private jet charters since 2009. For travel to Des Moines, we source aircraft around the route, passenger count, baggage, schedule and other trip requirements while working with the operating carrier and local handling resources at DSM.
There are no memberships or jet cards required. Each charter is arranged around the individual trip, with FBO handling and ground transportation available as part of the planning process.
Tell JetOptions where you’re departing from, when you want to travel and how many passengers are flying. We’ll arrange the aircraft and airport handling around your trip to Des Moines.