The airport serves as the main access to the province, with a high flow of both passengers and cargo.

Sultan Babullah Airport was opened in 1971 but officially commenced operations for civilian aircraft in 1978, becoming the main form of transportation to North Maluku.

Motorcycle taxis can also be located outside the terminal, a cheaper option to get to the city, with fares roughly around Rp 15,000.

Minibuses to the city can be found at the nearby university, approximately at a ten-minute walk from the airport.

On August 22, 2007, the airport hosted a demonstration that led to more than 1,000 people rioting over gubernatorial elections.