Airports Serving Polk County, Iowa — Des Moines International at the Center
Polk County is home to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), the busiest commercial airport in Iowa and the primary air gateway for the entire state. Located along Army Post Road on the southwest edge of Des Moines, DSM handles roughly 2.5 million passengers annually and serves as a key hub for American Airlines regional operations. The airport occupies over 2,600 acres of relatively flat glaciated terrain characteristic of central Iowa, situated between the Des Moines River to the east and the Raccoon River confluence below downtown. Airlines including American, Delta, United, Southwest, and Allegiant operate routes from DSM to major hubs such as Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. Polk County's central position in Iowa makes DSM the default departure point for travelers across the middle third of the state, drawing passengers from Story, Dallas, Jasper, and Warren counties.
For general aviation pilots, Polk County also hosts Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV) on the county's northern edge, providing reliever capacity to reduce traffic at DSM. IKV features a 5,000-foot runway capable of handling turboprops and light jets. Agricultural operators use both facilities for aerial application staging across the surrounding corn and soybean belt. Flight planning from DSM benefits from Class C airspace with approach control, while IKV operates under Class D during tower hours. Both airports are accessible via the Iowa Department of Transportation aviation directory.
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.
There are 1 International Airport in Polk County, Iowa. Des Moines International Airport - DSM is one of the busiest international airports in the Polk County and in the state of Iowa.
Des Moines International Airport - Dsm
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 Polk County, 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 Polk County, 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 Polk County, Iowa.
Local Airports
There are 3 Local Airport in Polk County, Iowa.
Kern Airport
De Louis Airport - Ia38
Todd Airport
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports in Polk County, Iowa
What airlines fly out of Des Moines International Airport?
DSM is served by American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Allegiant Air. American operates the most frequent departures, with multiple daily connections to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas/Fort Worth. Southwest offers nonstop service to Denver, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. United connects Des Moines to Houston Intercontinental and other hubs. Seasonal routes expand options for leisure travelers each summer and winter holiday period.
Is there a general aviation airport in Polk County besides DSM?
Yes — Ankeny Regional Airport (IKV) on the north side of Polk County serves as a general aviation reliever. It has a paved 5,000-foot primary runway, an instrument approach, and full-service FBO operations. Pilots preferring to avoid DSM's Class C airspace for training flights, charter operations, or agricultural staging regularly use IKV. The facility is owned by the city of Ankeny and managed for public use.
How far is DSM from downtown Des Moines?
Des Moines International Airport sits approximately five miles southwest of downtown Des Moines via I-235 or Fleur Drive. Drive time is typically 10–15 minutes outside peak rush hour. The airport provides cell phone lots, a parking garage, surface lots, and rental car facilities. DART bus route 93 provides public transit connections between DSM and downtown, though most travelers use rideshare or personal vehicles given Iowa's car-centric infrastructure.