The airport was temporarily closed in October 2009 due to significant damage found in the runway, but has opened again after some repairs were done as the result of Rp 130 million funding by three local authorities.

The position of Abdulrahman Saleh Air Base is quite safe because it is surrounded by natural fortifications and is at the foot of the mountain.

The Dutch government at that time deliberately made the runway long enough, so that it could be used for landing and taking off wide-type aircraft such as bomber, Glynmartin, Fokker, and Jagers.

As is known, civilian flights at this airport began on 1 April 1994, by Merpati Nusantara Airlines using Fokker F28 aircraft.

Coinciding with the commemoration of the 7th anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, Air Force Chief of Staff Commodore Soerjadi Soerjadarma issued Decree Number: 76/48/Pen.2/KS/52 on 17 August 1952.