The Hawkeye State’s skies grew ever busier in 2023! Iowa airports boarded 2.3 million passengers last year, marking an 11.2% increase from 2022 levels. Dominating the state’s air passenger traffic are two major airports: Des Moines International Airport (DSM) and The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids (CID), which together handled 97% of Iowa’s travellers. Check out our infographic to see how these numbers stack up!
Passenger Traffic in 2023
The row chart in our infographic highlights Iowa’s top airports and their 2023 passenger numbers:
- Des Moines International Airport (DSM): 1,519,262 passengers
- The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID): 691,094 passengers
- Other Iowa Airports: 72,529 passengers
Highlights of Iowa’s Busiest Airports
Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
- Iowa’s Leading Airport: DSM accounted for two-thirds (66.6%) of the state’s air passenger enplanements in 2023, making it the busiest airport in Iowa.
- Gateway to the Capital: Located in Iowa’s capital city, DSM connects travellers to major domestic hubs across the U.S.
- Continuous Growth: Recent expansions and increased airline options have solidified DSM as a critical transportation hub.
The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)
- Serving Cedar Rapids and Beyond: CID welcomed 691,094 passengers in 2023, representing nearly 30% of Iowa’s air travellers.
- Regional Gateway: Popular for its accessibility, CID serves Eastern Iowa communities with a range of flight options.
- Expanding Services: Investments in modernization have made CID a preferred choice for leisure and business travellers.
Other Iowa Airports
- Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX): Located in Sioux City, SUX offers essential regional flights and supports the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
- Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ): DBQ is a vital hub for northeastern Iowa, serving travellers heading to Dubuque and its surrounding areas.
- Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO): ALO connects Waterloo and nearby regions with flights to larger connecting hubs, ensuring convenience for local travellers.
Discover More
Explore the infographic to dive deeper into Iowa’s air passenger trends in 2023. Don’t forget to share it with fellow travellers and aviation enthusiasts!
Celebrate your love of travel with airport code merchandise from YHM Designs. From DSM to CID, find unique gifts inspired by your favourite airports!
How to Cite
Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Illustration by YHM Designs.