Corporate and General Aviation at Ankeny Regional Airport
Ankeny, one of Iowa's fastest-growing cities, is home to Ankeny Regional Airport (KIKV), a thriving general aviation facility that has become a hub for corporate flight departments and business aviation in the Des Moines metro. Situated north of the city on Story County's southern fringe, KIKV's 5,000-foot paved runway accommodates turboprop and light jet operations, making it a preferred alternative to congested Des Moines International Airport (DSM) for corporate travelers who want to avoid commercial terminal delays. Several Iowa-based companies maintain hangar space at Ankeny Regional, using it as a staging point for corporate shuttles across the Midwest. Des Moines International Airport (DSM), just 15 miles south, handles all scheduled commercial service for Ankeny residents, with nonstop flights on United, Delta, American, Southwest, and Allegiant to destinations including Denver, Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, and Atlanta.
Ankeny Regional sits in the Class D airspace shadow of DSM, so pilots must coordinate with Des Moines Approach Control for transitions south of the field. The airport has experienced significant capacity growth as Ankeny's population has surged past 75,000 residents. An FBO on the field provides full fuel, maintenance, and charter services. Instrument approaches including GPS/RNAV procedures allow year-round operations even during Iowa's winter weather challenges.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Iowa Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Ankeny, Iowa.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 1 Regional Airport in Ankeny, Iowa.
Ankeny Regional Airport
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Ankeny, Iowa.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Ankeny, Iowa.
Todd Airport
Airports near Ankeny
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports Near Ankeny, Iowa
Does Ankeny have its own airport?
Yes — Ankeny Regional Airport (KIKV) is a public-use general aviation airport located within the city. It features a 5,000-foot paved runway capable of handling corporate jets, turboprops, and charter aircraft. Several Ankeny-area businesses maintain flight departments at KIKV, and an FBO on the field offers fuel, hangar rental, and maintenance services for both based and transient aircraft.
How far is Ankeny from Des Moines International Airport?
Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is approximately 15 miles south of Ankeny, typically a 20-minute drive via I-35 south. DSM is Iowa's busiest commercial airport, with nonstop service to over a dozen major destinations including Chicago O'Hare, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver International, and Atlanta Hartsfield. It handles more than 2.5 million passengers per year and serves as the primary commercial gateway for Ankeny residents.
Why do some Ankeny businesses prefer Ankeny Regional over Des Moines International?
Ankeny Regional Airport (KIKV) offers corporate and charter operators a quieter, faster alternative to DSM's commercial terminals. With no TSA screening lines for private and charter flights, executives can arrive shortly before departure. Hangar availability, lower landing fees, and proximity to Ankeny's growing commercial districts make KIKV attractive for companies needing efficient intra-Midwest business travel without commercial airline scheduling constraints.