DCA (Washington) to DSM (Des Moines) flights arrive on time 73% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is null at 87%. The average delay is 81 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.DCA → DSM
DCA (Washington) to DSM (Des Moines)
DCA → DSM on-time performance by month
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JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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This route is delayed fairly often. About 73% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Accurate?
null edges out Republic Airways on this route — 87% vs 73% on time.
Airline Comparison
leads at 87% on time; Republic Airways trails at 73%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from DCA
75% on timeExpect ~21 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DCA has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~19 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
DCA cancels 3.2% of flights — higher than average. Have a backup plan.
Arriving at DSM
79% on timeWhen flights into DSM are late, the average delay is 82 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at DSM: TSA is ~17 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Flight cancelled or delayed?
Check what owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.
Flying out of DCA? We'll brief you.
Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.