One Year to Takeoff: Des Moines International Airport and Weitz | Turner Countdown to New Terminal Opening 

(Des Moines, IA) – The Des Moines Airport Authority recently celebrated a long-awaited milestone. The new terminal project is officially one year away from opening to passengers and bringing a modernized travel experience to communities across the state.  

With one year remaining until the new passenger terminal welcomes travelers at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), the Weitz | Turner joint venture is advancing a transformative modernization and expansion program designed to elevate the passenger experience and increase capacity for Central Iowa’s growing air-travel demand. The project replaces and modernizes the airport’s legacy terminal infrastructure with a new facility planned at approximately 360,000 SF.  

Upon opening, the new DSM terminal will feature: 

• 6 new gates in addition to the 13 existing gates.  A seventh gate opens later in 2027, two more in 2028, and the final two gates open by 2030.  

• Updated baggage handling systems and upgraded technology and infrastructure  

• Elevated dining and retail options, more natural light, and airfield views  

• A focus on improved sustainability and green technology  

Milestones and progress  

• Total Worker Hours: 675,000 

• Total Trade Worker Hours: 635,000 (CPR) 

• Workers on Site Daily: approximately 300 

• Structural Steel Installed for Phase 1A/1B West: 2800 Tons 

Over the next 12 months, the Weitz | Turner team will achieve several major construction milestones, including the completion of the primary mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as the installation of interior finishes throughout the terminal. Reaching these milestones will allow the project to progress into systems integration, testing, and commissioning, critical phases that will prepare the facility for full operational readiness. 

“With passenger demand continuing to grow, this new terminal is essential for the future of air travel in Central Iowa. We’re excited to share that we are one year away from opening a facility that will enhance the passenger experience and support continued growth for our region,” said Brian Mulcahy, Des Moines Airport Authority CEO. 

The Des Moines Airport Authority’s Lift DSM program includes a team of partners supporting delivery of the new terminal, with Weitz | Turner serving as the contractor responsible for bringing the new terminal vision to life. 

Read additional coverage about from the media tour here:

Des Moines Business Record

KCCI Channel 8 News

WHO Radio

Des Moines Register

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About The Weitz Company 

Founded in 1855, The Weitz Company, a subsidiary of Orascom Construction PLC, is a full-service construction company, general contractor, design builder, and construction manager that serves all 50 U.S. states. Weitz is one of the oldest general contractors in the United States and an industry leader in Aviation construction, Industrial construction, Mission Critical construction, and Commercial construction. Acquired in 2012, Weitz leverages Orascom Construction’s international expertise on large-scale, complex infrastructure projects to deliver premier results to clients across the United States.  

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, The Weitz Company annually ranks in the top tier of Engineering News-Record (ENR) magazine’s Top 400 Contractors and Building Design+Construction’s Giants 300 Contractors lists. You can read more about The Weitz Company at https://www.weitz.com/.  

About the Des Moines Airport Authority  

Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is Iowa’s busiest airport, serving over 3 million passengers annually with 35 nonstop destinations. DSM is dedicated to connecting travelers to the world with exceptional service and a focus on the future. The airport’s new terminal, set to open in 2027, will enhance the travel experience with expanded capacity and modern amenities. For more information, visit www.flydsm.com and follow @dsmairport on X and DSM International Airport on Facebook. 

About Turner Construction Company  

Founded in 1902, Turner Construction is recognized as the largest general contractor in the U.S, ranking as one of the top builders in the major market segments of aviation, healthcare, critical facilities, sports, education, commercial, and green building by Engineering-News Record (ENR). The company is widely recognized as a top employer, including being named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and Greatest Workplaces for Gen Z by Newsweek and one of the Best Places to Work by Newsweek and Forbes in 2025. 

Turner’s history in Iowa began in 1930 with the construction of the iconic Hazen Water Tower. Turner has been an active member of the local construction market since 2013, and our team consists of 250 highly qualified professionals with expertise spanning the fields of healthcare, education, aviation, civic/municipal, commercial, and advanced technology. For more information, please visit https://www.turnerconstruction.com/locations/des-moines