DSM Celebrates Record-Breaking Growth with Allegiant’s New Nonstop Flight to Fort Myers

July 29, 2025

With the opening of a brand-new terminal just a year and a half away, the Des Moines International Airport continues to grow and break records. The latest milestone: Allegiant’s announcement of a new nonstop route from Des Moines (DSM) to Fort Myers, Florida (RSW), bringing DSM’s total number of nonstop destinations to an all-time high of 35.

The new flight will operate twice weekly starting in November, just in time for Iowans to escape the winter chill and enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast sunshine.

"This is a great addition for Des Moines International Airport,” said Brian Mulcahy, CEO of the Des Moines Airport Authority. “To reach 35 nonstop destinations, six of which were added this year alone, is a direct result of strong passenger demand, growing partnerships, and the trust airlines like Allegiant have in our region. Enplanements on Allegiant are up 14% this year."

June 2025 was another record-setting month for DSM, with enplanements up 6.5% over the previous record set in June 2024. On June 20th, the airport saw its busiest day ever, with 6,832 passengers processed through TSA - a clear sign that summer travel is in full swing.

The addition of the Fort Myers route marks Allegiant’s ninth nonstop flight from DSM to Florida and its 19th nonstop route overall. Earlier this year, the airline launched service to Boston (BOS) and Jacksonville (JAX), with another new route to Gulf Shores, Alabama (GUF) set to begin in October.

Allegiant began service at DSM in 2003. In July 2021, the airline established Des Moines as a base of operations and is currently the only airline based in the state of Iowa.

As DSM continues to serve record volumes and prepares for the future with its new terminal opening in 2027, today’s announcement underscores the airport’s role as a critical transportation hub for Iowa and the Midwest.