It began operation as a civilian airport on 1 July 2003, after seventy-plus years solely used by the military.

On cessations of activities the newly formed Spanish Air Force established the 13th Bomber Squadron, later becoming Ala26.

In 1991, due to the promotion of Albacete Balompié to the first division, the airport reopened to civilian charter traffic.

[4] Opened again to civilian traffic in 2003, in November 2005 the Ministry of Public Works inaugurated the new Terminal Building, with a surface area of 2,200 square metres (24,000 sq ft).

[1] The civilian-run maintenance facility La Maestranza Aérea de Albacete is responsible for the modifications and overhaul of some military equipment, including all Dassault Mirage F1 (retired in 2013, replaced by Eurofighter Typhoon), Canadair CL-215 and CASA C-101.