See fly-through video of Des Moines International Airport's future terminal

The Des Moines International Airport has released a new look at the future terminal — in a fly-through video, of course.

The animated renderings give an updated look at the lighted gates, community area with a cafe and restaurants, and pedestrian walkway that will connect to the existing concourse. The designs displayed in the video are 90% complete, so the features depicted should closely resemble those in the finished terminal.

It'll be built east of the existing terminal near Fleur Drive (as shown in this diagram by architecture firm BNIM), will have 17 gates plus eight remote aircraft parking spots, up from 12 currently. The $445-plus million Phase 1 entails construction of the main passenger processing area and will include the check-in area, baggage claim and security checkpoints.

Previously: Des Moines airport breaks annual passenger traffic record. How many traveled in 2023?

The structure will be similar to the newly opened Kansas City International Airport but notably lighter and more open, according to BNIM's Rod Kruse, who pointed out at an Airport Authority Board meeting last year that the Kansas City terminal has areas where solid walls sit behind glass. At the Des Moines International Airport, wide windows will create a feeling of transparency along the front of the building, illuminating the five vestibules.

“It goes back to that sort of Iowan openness. … We're using the structure economically; we're not doing it in an additive fashion. The things that are there are functional (and) are also beautiful,” Kruse said.

Airport spokesperson Kayla Kovarna confirmed that construction on the terminal began on May 1 with utilities and apron work.

"This fall, visible work on the terminal will begin," she said.

Work on the initial structure is slated to wrap up in 2026.

Addison Lathers covers growth and development for the Des Moines metro. Reach her at 608-931-1761 or alathers@registermedia.com, and follow her on X at @addisonlathers.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines airport's future terminal shown in fly-through video