DES MOINES, IA — The Weitz Company, a subsidiary of Orascom Construction PLC, working in partnership with Turner Construction and the Des Moines Airport Authority, commences Phase 1B East of the terminal expansion project at Des Moines International Airport. With the Des Moines Airport Authority Board’s recent approval, the expansion will now extend the new terminal eastward to Fleur Drive and deliver additional gates and passenger amenities designed to support regional growth and enhance the traveler experience.
“Executing a project of this scale requires discipline, teamwork, and a relentless focus on safety, schedule, and budget,” said Mike Tousley, General Manager at The Weitz Company | Iowa. “This progress reflects strong collaboration with the Airport Authority, the design team, and our trade partners, and we are proud to help build a terminal that will serve Iowa travelers for decades.”
Key highlights of Phase 1B East include:
- Approval to build an additional four gates as part of the new terminal build-out
- Expansion of the terminal footprint to Fleur Drive, extending the facility’s capacity and operational flexibility
- On track to open initial phases in early 2027, with Phase 1B East gates expected to come online in late 2028 through 2029
- 11 modern gates, significantly expanding the airport’s current capacity
“The phased approach has paid off,” said Brian Mulcahy, Des Moines Airport Authority Chief Executive Officer in a press release. “In October 2023, we broke ground on the first phase of the terminal, which is on track to be completed in just over a year. In June 2024, the board approved adding two more gates, bringing the total to seven. And with the September 9 vote, the Board greenlit the final four gates on the east end of the terminal. When complete, the new terminal will boast 11 modern gates — nearly doubling our capacity and opening the door to more flights, more destinations, and more choices for Iowa travelers.”
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Construction activities for Phase 1B East will ramp up in spring 2026 with site preparation, structural work, and systems coordination beginning in the coming months. The project remains budget-conscious and schedule-driven, benefiting from favorable market conditions and strong program management practices.
Weitz | Turner has been leading construction on the current Des Moines International Airport Terminal project since it broke ground fall 2023.
