Des Moines Airport Unveils Multiple New Nonstop Flight Routes

Key Takeaways

• Des Moines Airport launches 5 new nonstop routes in 2025, including Gulf Shores and Los Angeles.
• Allegiant Air offers Gulf Shores flights twice weekly starting October 3, 2025, with $59 fares.
• American Airlines resumes daily nonstop service to LAX in October 2025 and doubles Philadelphia flights.

Des Moines International Airport Expands Nonstop Routes: What Travelers Need to Know

Des Moines International Airport is experiencing a period of rapid growth, with several new nonstop routes announced for 2025. These changes are set to make travel easier and more affordable for people living in Iowa and the surrounding region. The latest news includes Allegiant Air’s new nonstop service to Gulf Shores, Alabama, and American Airlines’ direct flights to Los Angeles. These new routes, along with other recent additions, bring Des Moines International Airport’s nonstop destinations to a record high. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, why it matters, and how it affects travelers, businesses, and the local community.

New Nonstop Flights: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Who: The main airlines involved in these new routes are Allegiant Air and American Airlines. The Des Moines Airport Authority, led by Executive Director Kevin Foley, is overseeing the expansion.

What: Several new nonstop flights are being added, including:
– Allegiant Air’s new route to Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF)
– American Airlines’ new daily service to Los Angeles (LAX)
– Recent Allegiant Air routes to Jacksonville, Florida (JAX) and Boston, Massachusetts (BOS)
– American Airlines’ return of nonstop flights to Philadelphia (PHL)

When: The Gulf Shores route starts October 3, 2025. The Los Angeles route begins in October 2025. Other routes to Jacksonville and Boston started in May 2025, and Philadelphia service returns in June 2025.

Where: All flights depart from Des Moines International Airport, connecting to destinations across the United States 🇺🇸.

Why: The goal is to give travelers more options, reduce travel times, and make flying more affordable. The airport is responding to growing demand for both leisure and business travel, as well as the region’s population and economic growth.

Allegiant Air’s New Nonstop Route to Gulf Shores

Allegiant Air is launching a new nonstop route from Des Moines International Airport to Gulf Shores, Alabama, starting October 3, 2025. This route will operate twice a week and is part of Allegiant’s larger plan to connect smaller cities with popular vacation spots. Introductory one-way fares are as low as $59, making it an attractive option for families and vacationers.

Drew Wells, Allegiant’s Chief Commercial Officer, explained, “This expansion caters to passengers and communities we feel have been overlooked by other carriers… Allegiant’s unique business model, connecting small-to-medium sized cities to vacation destinations, creates accessible travel options not otherwise available in what we believe are underserved markets.”

Key Details:
– Start Date: October 3, 2025
– Frequency: Twice weekly
– Introductory Fare: $59 one-way
– Booking: Tickets available at AllegiantAir.com

This new route is the 34th nonstop destination from Des Moines International Airport and the fifth new route added in 2025. For many travelers, this means a direct, affordable way to reach the beaches of Gulf Shores without having to connect through larger, busier airports.

American Airlines’ New Nonstop Service to Los Angeles

American Airlines is also expanding its presence at Des Moines International Airport. In October 2025, the airline will begin daily nonstop service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). This is the only direct flight from Des Moines to Los Angeles, restoring a key connection for both business and leisure travelers.

The flights will use Embraer 175 regional jets, which offer both economy and first-class seating. The schedule is designed for convenience:
– Depart LAX: 9:05 AM Pacific Time, arrive in Des Moines at 2:45 PM Central Time
– Depart Des Moines: 3:20 PM Central Time, arrive in LAX at 5:45 PM Pacific Time

Jordan Pack, American Airlines’ Director of Domestic Network Planning, said, “As DSM’s largest airline, American is thrilled to offer this new service offering convenient connections and shorter travel times on American to southern California, Hawaii, the South Pacific, and more.”

Recent Additions and Record-Breaking Growth

In addition to the new Gulf Shores and Los Angeles routes, Des Moines International Airport has seen other important changes in 2025:
– Allegiant Air launched new nonstop flights to Jacksonville, Florida, and Boston, Massachusetts, both operating twice weekly.
– American Airlines is bringing back twice-daily nonstop service to Philadelphia after a five-year break.

As of June 2025, Des Moines International Airport offers 34 nonstop routes to 29 unique markets—the highest in its history. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this growth reflects both the airport’s strategic planning and the airlines’ focus on meeting rising demand.

Why These Changes Matter: Impacts for Travelers and the Region

For Travelers

The new nonstop routes mean:
– Shorter travel times: Direct flights eliminate the need for layovers, making trips faster and less stressful.
– Lower fares: More competition among airlines often leads to better prices, especially with Allegiant’s low introductory fares.
– Better connections: Flights to major hubs like Los Angeles and Philadelphia make it easier to reach international destinations, including Hawaii, Asia, and the South Pacific.

For the Region

The airport’s expansion supports:
– Economic growth: More visitors and business travelers bring money into the local economy, supporting hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
– Tourism: Direct flights to vacation spots like Gulf Shores and Florida make Iowa more attractive for both outgoing and incoming tourists.
– Regional status: With more nonstop routes, Des Moines International Airport strengthens its position as a key air travel hub in the Midwest.

Kevin Foley, Executive Director of the Des Moines Airport Authority, summed it up: “The addition of these routes reflects our commitment to expanding travel options for our passengers, offering greater connectivity at affordable prices.”

How to Book and Prepare for Your Flight

Booking a ticket on these new routes is simple:
1. Choose Your Airline: Visit AllegiantAir.com for Allegiant flights or aa.com for American Airlines.
2. Look for Deals: Promotional fares, like Allegiant’s $59 one-way tickets to Gulf Shores, are usually available for a short time after the route is announced.
3. Check the Schedule: Some routes, especially those from Allegiant, operate only on certain days of the week or during specific seasons.
4. Arrive Early: For domestic flights, arrive at Des Moines International Airport at least 90 minutes before departure.
5. Connecting Flights: If you’re traveling beyond the nonstop destination, check for easy connections at major hubs like Los Angeles or Philadelphia.

For official travel tips and airport security guidelines, visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website.

Expert Perspectives: Why Airlines Are Expanding in Des Moines

Aviation industry experts say the expansion at Des Moines International Airport is a response to several trends:
– Pent-up travel demand: After the pandemic, more people are eager to travel for both business and pleasure.
– Population growth: Central Iowa’s population is rising, creating more demand for flights.
– Economic development: New businesses and events in the region are attracting visitors from across the country.

Allegiant Air’s focus on connecting smaller cities to vacation destinations is especially important. By offering direct flights that other airlines don’t, Allegiant is making travel possible for people who might otherwise have to drive long distances to larger airports.

Airport Leadership and Future Plans

The Des Moines Airport Authority Board, led by Chair Jake Christensen, is not stopping with these new routes. The airport is in the middle of a $445 million terminal expansion, with Phase 1A set to finish in 2026. This project will add five new gates, expand security areas, and improve amenities for travelers. Once complete, the new terminal will increase the airport’s capacity by 50%, making it possible to add even more flights and serve more passengers.

These improvements are designed to keep up with rising passenger numbers and to attract additional airlines and destinations, including possible international routes in the future.

Historical Context: How DSM Became a Regional Air Travel Hub

Des Moines International Airport’s nonstop network has grown quickly since the pandemic. Airlines have restored routes that were suspended and added new ones that were never served before. The airport’s leadership has worked closely with airlines to make these changes possible, investing in infrastructure and building strong partnerships.

In 2024, American Airlines carried over 28% of all passengers at Des Moines International Airport, showing the importance of major carriers in the airport’s growth.

What’s Next? The Future of Air Travel in Des Moines

With the new terminal set to open in 2026 and continued population growth in Central Iowa, more nonstop routes are likely on the way. The airport’s leadership is actively working to bring in new airlines and add more destinations, both within the United States 🇺🇸 and possibly abroad.

Travelers can expect:
– More choices: As the airport grows, more airlines and routes will become available.
– Better facilities: The new terminal will offer more space, better security, and improved amenities.
– Stronger connections: Direct flights to major hubs will make it easier to reach destinations around the world.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you’re planning to use Des Moines International Airport’s new nonstop routes, here are some tips:
– Book early: Take advantage of promotional fares, which are often limited.
– Check flight days: Some routes, especially with Allegiant Air, may not operate every day.
– Plan for connections: If you need to travel beyond the nonstop destination, look for easy connections at major airports like LAX or PHL.
– Stay informed: For the latest updates on routes, schedules, and airport construction, visit the official DSM website.

Summary Table: New Nonstop Routes at Des Moines International Airport (2025)

Official Contacts and Resources

• Des Moines International Airport: www.flydsm.com, Phone: (515) 256-5100
• Allegiant Air: allegiantair.com
• American Airlines: aa.com
• Board Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month, 9:00 a.m. CT, Board Room, 2nd Floor, Main Terminal

For the most up-to-date information, check the DSM website’s news section or contact the airport directly.

Takeaways and Next Steps

Des Moines International Airport’s new nonstop routes, including Allegiant Air’s service to Gulf Shores and American Airlines’ flights to Los Angeles, mark a major step forward for Iowa travelers. These changes offer more choices, lower fares, and better connections to destinations across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond. With a new terminal on the way and continued growth expected, the future looks bright for air travel in Des Moines.

Travelers should take advantage of these new options by booking early, staying informed about schedules, and preparing for a smoother, more convenient travel experience. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these developments are not only making travel easier but are also supporting the region’s economic growth and strengthening Des Moines’ role as a key air travel hub.

For more details on airport security, travel tips, and official guidelines, visit the TSA’s official travel page.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation to Gulf Shores, a business trip to Los Angeles, or a visit to friends in Boston, Des Moines International Airport’s expanding network makes it easier than ever to get where you need to go.

Learn Today

Nonstop Route → A flight connecting two airports without intermediate stops or layovers.
Embparer 175 → A regional jet used by airlines for short to medium haul flights with economy and first-class seats.
Introductory Fare → A special promotional ticket price offered when a new flight route begins service.
Airport Authority → An organization managing airport operations, expansions, and partnerships with airlines.
Hub → A central airport used by airlines for connecting flights to various destinations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Des Moines International Airport expands with five new nonstop routes in 2025, improving travel options and affordability. New Allegiant Air flights to Gulf Shores and American Airlines daily service to Los Angeles will boost regional connectivity and economic growth, offering travelers faster, more convenient routes across the US.
— By VisaVerge.com