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The Weitz Company, a subsidiary of Orascom Construction PLC, along with Turner Construction and the Des Moines Airport Authority, is preparing to break ground on the third phase of the Des Moines International Airport terminal expansion, a $600 million program that includes a new parking lot.
The airport authority recently approved the expansion of Phase 1B East, which will begin this spring. The work will extend the new terminal eastwards onto Fleur Drive and add four gates, bringing the total to 11 new gates when complete. The project will double the capacity of the terminal and support more flights and destinations, the authority said in a press release.
Construction of Phase 1B East will begin with site preparation, structural work and systems coordination. Weitz previously delivered the airport’s parking lot expansion in July 2025 to help accommodate expected passenger growth.
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“In October 2023, we broke ground on the first phase of the terminal, which is on track for completion in just over a year. The phased approach has paid off,” said Des Moines Airport Authority CEO Brian Mulcahy.
The overall project includes construction of a modern terminal north of the current facility to replace much of the 1948-era structure. Plans call for a new ticketing lobby, a Transportation Security Administration checkpoint, baggage handling systems, dining and retail areas, and a meeting space. Previous phases involved demolishing parts of the existing terminal and repurposing other areas for administrative and support needs.
“Executing a project of this scale requires discipline, teamwork and a relentless focus on safety, schedule and budget,” said Mike Tousley, CEO of The Weitz Co./Iowa.
HNTB is acting as architect and structural engineer of record for the expansion, which will bring the airport’s capacity to 4 million passengers a year.
