The new floating terminal of the airport was officially opened by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on 7 June 2018.

Expansion began in 2004, done in phases starting with the addition to the length of the runway to accommodate the safer landing of larger aircraft.

The airport gained its international status in August 2004 with its inaugural flight from Semarang to Singapore, as mentioned in the Minister's Decree No.

Ahmad Yani Airport used to have a terminal to the south of the runway, with one arrival and departure gate each for domestic and international flights.

Facilities include souvenir shops, food outlets, bank, money changer, hotel and travel booking offices, taxi and rental car services.

The airport is in the coastal area of Maron beach in the West Semarang district, which is prone to flooding and abrasion.

Another eco-friendly design element is the use of reverse osmosis to provide clean water from rainwater and seawater, which is processed in a tank underneath the airport terminal.

[10] There is a multisensory waiting room specifically for children with autism, which is equipped with floor and wall mattresses, balls, beanbags, aquatic bubble tubes, colour changing LEDs, laser fingers, and vestibular boards.

In 2013, Trans Semarang, a bus rapid transit (BRT) operator, started to serve Ahmad Yani Airport.