DSM Welcomes Alaska Airlines as Seventh Airline, Expanding Connections to the West Coast and Beyond

November 12, 2026

A new airline and a new gateway to the West Coast are coming to Central Iowa! Des Moines International Airport (DSM) is thrilled to welcome Alaska Airlines as its seventh airline, launching daily nonstop service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) beginning June 24, 2027.

The addition of Alaska Airlines marks a major milestone for DSM, bringing a new airline to the airport for the first time since 2012, 15 years ago. Beyond adding a new nonstop destination, the service connects Central Iowa travelers to Alaska Airlines' extensive network through its Seattle hub, opening up more opportunities to reach destinations throughout the West Coast and beyond.

“Welcoming Alaska Airlines to Des Moines is an incredible milestone for our airport and our community,” said Brian Mulcahy, Chief Executive Officer of the Des Moines Airport Authority. “This announcement is the culmination of many years of effort. It means more choices for our travelers, stronger connections to the West Coast and another airline investing in the future of our region. We're thrilled Alaska Airlines recognizes the strength and potential of our growing market.”

The new daily flight will depart Seattle in the morning, arrive in Des Moines and return to Seattle at approximately 3 p.m. As one of Alaska Airlines' primary hubs, Seattle provides access to a broad network of destinations, giving DSM passengers more options for connecting to cities across the western United States and beyond.

“Bringing Alaska Airlines to Iowa for the first time is something we’re especially proud of,” said Darren Scott, Managing Director of Network Planning at Alaska Airlines. “We’re excited to welcome Des Moines travelers onboard and offer them an easy new way to experience Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, while giving them more ways to explore through Atmos™ Rewards.”

For Central Iowa businesses, expanded West Coast connectivity creates new opportunities to reach customers, partners and markets. For leisure travelers, it means more ways to explore destinations across the country. The new service also makes Central Iowa more accessible to visitors, supporting tourism, business development and the region's continued economic growth.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time for DSM. With the airport's new terminal opening in January 2027, DSM is entering a new era of growth, with modern facilities designed to accommodate more passengers, welcome new airlines and support future air service expansion, all while preserving the convenience and ease of travel that Central Iowa passengers value.

“Our community has been asking for more air service, and we've been working hard to create those opportunities,” Mulcahy added. “We've worked for years to bring Alaska Airlines to Des Moines, and seeing that partnership become a reality is incredibly rewarding. Our new terminal was built with this kind of growth in mind, and this announcement is a tremendous example of what's possible as we continue investing in DSM and strengthening connections for Central Iowa.”

Alaska Airlines' new daily nonstop service between Des Moines and Seattle begins June 24, 2027. Flight schedules, fares and booking information will be available at www.alaskaair.com.