Other topographical features within the city that originate from volcanic activity include Yonemaru and Sumiyoshi Pond, both of which are said to be marls.

The area of Aira was part of ancient Ōsumi Province, and there is evidence of continuous habitation since the Japanese Paleolithic period.

In the Heian period, the area came under the control of the Okura clan, who claimed descent from Emperor Ling of Han, whose descendants fled to Japan.

The region was contested in the Nanboku-chō period, gradually coming under control of the Shimazu clan in the 15th century.

After the Meiji restoration, the villages of Chōsa, Kajiki, Kamō, Mizobe, Shigetomi and Yamada were established in Aira District on May 1, 1889 with the creation of the modern municipalities system.

Aira has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 24 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Kagoshima 3rd district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Aira has a mixed economy centering on agriculture, fishing, forestry and light manufacturing and food processing.