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Airport Runway Layout
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Heading | Wind Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/23 | 9,003 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 54° |
↑ 4.9 kt
•
↔ 5.0 kt
46° angle
|
|
✈️ 13/31
Active: 13
|
9,001 ft | 150 ft | ASP | 132° |
↑ 6.1 kt
•
↔ 3.5 kt
30° angle
|
Weather Statistics - KDSM
6,610 observations | Sep 2025 - Mar 2026Flight Rules Distribution
Des Moines International Airport typically experiences VFR conditions 75.2% of the time, though instrument-rated pilots will find IFR weather present approximately 10.3% of observations. Prevailing winds are from the NW averaging 9.2 knots, with gusts recorded up to 43 knots. Temperature extremes range from -24°C to 36°C, reflecting significant seasonal variation. The best months for VFR flying are October, September, February.
Wind Analysis
Temperature Range
Visibility
Best Months for VFR
Runway Wind Analysis
Statistics computed from 6,610 METAR observations (Sep 2025 - Mar 2026). Data sourced from official aviation weather services. Updated daily.
Des Moines International Airport - Airport Information
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Runway Information
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About Des Moines International Airport
Overview
Des Moines International Airport serves as a critical transportation hub for central Iowa, located in the state capital. The airport operates with two parallel asphalt runways capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, with substantial runway lengths exceeding 9,000 feet. Its elevation at 958 feet mean sea level provides consistent operational parameters for pilots navigating the midwest region.
Flying Conditions
Weather conditions at Des Moines demonstrate significant variability, with visual flight rules (VFR) predominating at 72.2% of observed periods. Seasonal temperature ranges span from -24°C to 36°C, presenting potential thermal management challenges. Wind patterns are predominantly northwest at an average of 9.5 knots, with occasional gusts up to 43 knots, suggesting potential crosswind considerations during approach and landing.
Notable Features
The airport's dual parallel runways (05/23 and 13/31) offer operational flexibility with nearly identical 9,000-foot lengths. Both runways demonstrate 100% favorable wind alignment, with relatively modest average crosswind components of 7.5 and 4.3 knots respectively. Pilots can expect consistent runway performance characteristics across different wind conditions.
Approach Considerations
Visibility averages 9.1 statute miles, with instrument meteorological conditions occurring in approximately 12.7% of observations. September, October, and January represent the most consistently favorable flying months, characterized by stable weather patterns. Pilots should anticipate potential reduced visibility scenarios, with fog present in 5% of observations and visibility below 3 statute miles occurring in 3.9% of recorded periods.
Data Sources & Accuracy: Airport information sourced from OurAirports.com, a collaborative database of worldwide airport data. Weather data from official aviation weather services including NOAA Aviation Weather Center and international METAR/TAF providers. Information is updated regularly but pilots should always verify current conditions and NOTAMs through official channels before flight operations.
Learn More
Relevant guides based on current conditions at KDSM
Official Data Sources
Disclaimer: Data is provided for informational purposes only. Pilots must verify all information through official sources before flight operations. Weather conditions change rapidly; always obtain a current briefing from approved weather services.