DES MOINES, Iowa — During a tour of the incomplete new terminal at the Des Moines International Airport on Wednesday officials warned that construction could cause delays this summer.

“What that means is there may be some delays with aircraft moving, especially when we have multiple aircraft landing at the same time,” said Brian Mulcahy, the Executive Director of the Des Moines Airport Authority.

Mulcahy said construction of the new terminal requires 200,000 cubic yards of dirt, which means parts of the airport runway will need to be shutdown to move it.

“So, we have kind of two entrances and exits for aircraft to use. This summer you know, we’re kind of blocking off that whole north entrance because we’re starting to bring in a lot of dirt for the future apron of the new terminal,” Mulcahy said.

Mulcahy said delays will likely happen in the evening.

“The particular squeeze we think will come in the evening more than likely. So, from nine to midnight,” Mulcahy said.

The airport also expects delays to contribute to traffic congestion on the front curb entrance. The airport plans to alleviate congestion by offering free parking starting June 1.

“What we’re asking people is to start to use the parking ramp to pick up their passengers in order to encourage this. We’re going to offer free parking at night after 9 p.m. in the ramp,” Mulcahy said.

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