Empty-leg hub

KDSM — Des Moines International Airport

United StatesDes Moines

Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) in Des Moines, United States is an inbound empty-leg hub with 332 live listings, according to EmptyJet, and a median ask of $23,150.

332 live empty legs involving KDSM

Empty-leg demand

Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) in Des Moines, United States is primarily an empty-leg arrival hub: 258 of 332 live legs (78%) are inbound, according to EmptyJet.

Aircraft mix at KDSM is led by Bombardier Challenger 650 (Heavy Jet) (82 legs), with Cessna Citation XLS+, Learjet 60 also active.

The busiest live corridors at KDSM are from KAVL (54), from KBNA (13), and to KBNA (8).

Priced empty legs at KDSM center on a median ask of $23,150, with an observed range of $1,500–$210,000 (332 priced listings).

Key takeaways

  • KDSM: 332 live empty legs (74 out / 258 in), according to EmptyJet.
  • Median priced ask at KDSM: $23,150 (n=332).
  • Busiest corridor: from KAVL (54 legs).
  • Most common aircraft: Bombardier Challenger 650 (82 legs, ~25%).

Inbound repositioning into KDSM creates priced one-way charter opportunities. The readings above cover 332 live legs and help compare timing, aircraft class, and corridor strength before requesting quotes.

Live empty-leg corridors

DirectionAirportLive listingsMedian ask
Inbound fromKAVLAsheville Regional Airport54$21,000
Inbound fromKBNANashville International Airport13$17,900
Outbound toKBNANashville International Airport8$18,250
Outbound toKLASHarry Reid International Airport6$26,900
Inbound fromKLASHarry Reid International Airport5$21,300
Outbound toKTEBTeterboro Airport5$17,300

Median ask uses priced EmptyJet listings only; unpriced operator quotes are excluded.

Aircraft on live EmptyJet listings

AircraftCategoryLive listings
Bombardier Challenger 650Heavy Jet82
Cessna Citation XLS+Midsize Jet24
Learjet 60Midsize Jet20
Cessna Citation UltraLight Jet19
Gulfstream GIV-SPHeavy Jet14

Airport facts

IATA
DSM
ICAO
KDSM
City
Des Moines
Country
United States
Type
medium airport
Elevation
958 ft
Timezone
America/Chicago
Region
North America
Runways
2
Longest runway
9,003 ft
Traffic score
7.6 / 10

Runways

RunwayLengthWidthSurfaceLighted
05/239,003 ft150 ftASPYes
13/319,001 ft150 ftASPYes

Nearby airports

FAQ

How active is KDSM for empty legs?

Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) has 332 live empty-leg listings — 74 departing and 258 arriving, according to EmptyJet.

What is a typical empty-leg price at KDSM?

The median ask at KDSM is $23,150 across 332 priced live listings, according to EmptyJet. Final quotes still vary by aircraft, date, and operator.

Which empty-leg routes are busiest at KDSM?

The strongest live corridor at KDSM is from KAVL (Asheville Regional Airport), with 54 listings, according to EmptyJet.

Which aircraft fly empty legs at KDSM most often?

The Bombardier Challenger 650, a Heavy Jet, is the most common model on empty legs at KDSM, with 82 live listings (~25% of live inventory), according to EmptyJet.

What is the airport code for Des Moines International Airport?

The primary code for Des Moines International Airport is KDSM.

Where is KDSM airport located?

Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) is in Des Moines, United States.

What is the ICAO code for DSM?

The ICAO code for Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is KDSM.

What is the longest runway at KDSM?

The longest runway at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM) is 9,003 ft.

Empty legs from this airport

Search live empty-leg departures involving KDSM on EmptyJet.

Search from KDSM