During the Summer of 2026, DSM airport will undergo several closures on the airport surface that will have an impact on traffic movement.  In addition to DSM airport surface closures, Ankeny (IKV) airport will be closed from April 13 to May 25.  With the IKV airport closed, DSM can expected increased traffic.  These closures and increased traffic will likely result in delays for pilots requesting to taxi, may result in complex taxi routes, and add congestion on the airport surface and through Hot Spots. Pilots should be aware of the following:

• Runway 5/23 will be available for taxi between Bravo and P4.  Pilots should use caution to ensure ATC instructions are understood with clarity while taxiing on RY 5/23.  Pilots will be required to hold short of RY 13/31on RY 5/23 frequently.
• Due to increased traffic, ATC may deny pattern traffic or other flight training (practice approaches) at DSM.  pilots are encouraged to practice pattern work at our satellite airports during this summer construction season.
• VFR traffic inbound to DSM may be instructed to hold at established transition fixes (See “DSM-LTA-DSM-12”).  These fixes may be used for VFR arrivals while being sequenced to DSM.
• Pilots should use extra caution when moving through airport Hot Spots.  Controllers may ask pilots to do 180’s on taxiways near Hot Spots with crossings and hold short instructions.  If a pilot becomes disoriented on the airport surface, then the pilot should always ask before proceeding onto or crossing a runway.
• Pilots should always familiarize themselves with current NOTAMs and the airport surface prior to taxi or arrival at DSM.  Closures will change through the summer, please be aware of NOTAMs and maintain situational awareness on the airport.

Note – The attached depiction will be in effect during parts of the summer but may not reflect the day-to-day situation.  PICs are always responsible to be aware of current NOTAMs.