Des Moines, IA (May 11, 2026) – The Des Moines International Airport (DSM) will begin transitioning
to a new gate numbering system overnight on Tuesday, May 12, as part of ongoing preparations
for the opening of the airport’s new terminal in January 2027.
Officials say beginning with the first departing flights on Wednesday morning, passengers traveling through
DSM will see updated gate numbers displayed throughout the airport’s current concourses. The change eliminates the existing letter-and-number gate format in Concourses A and C, and replaces it with a streamlined numbered gate system designed to align with the future layout and passenger experience of the new terminal.
“This transition is an important step toward preparing travelers for the opening of our new terminal in 2027,” said Clinton Torp, Chief Operations Officer at DSM. “By implementing the new numbering system now, passengers and airline partners will become familiar with the updated format well ahead of the terminal opening.”
As part of the overnight transition:
- New gate signage will be installed throughout the concourse.
- Internal airport wayfinding signage will also be updated.
- Airline carriers are coordinating updates to ensure the new gate numbers are reflected on boarding passes and flight information systems.
- Exterior gate identification updates have already been underway to accommodate airline and pilot operations.
- The updated signage package will also provide travelers with an early look at the design style and wayfinding system that will be featured throughout DSM’s new terminal.
- While the new terminal remains under construction and is scheduled to open in January 2027, the airport’s current A and C Concourses will continue operating and will remain in active use even after the new terminal opens.
“When the new terminal opens, we will add six new gates while continuing to utilize the current 13 gates, creating more opportunities for expanded air service, additional routes, and continued passenger growth for Central Iowa,” said Torp.
