[1] The airport was originally Harding Field during World War II and was used by the United States Army Air Forces Technical Service Command as a maintenance and supply base.

However, the airport is the second largest in Louisiana by passenger volume and is served by the major, network airlines: American, Delta and United.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, and the ensuing increase in Baton Rouge's (temporary and permanent) population, BTR saw its destination portfolio expanded dramatically.

New services were initiated to Cincinnati, New York City (both Newark Liberty and LaGuardia airports), Chicago–O'Hare, Denver, Washington-National, St. Louis, and Orlando.

Louisiana Aircraft Inc., a fixed-base operator on the south side of the airport has been purchased by a real estate developer.

The developer has plans to build more hangar space and has purchased the old Capitol Jet Center / LuxJet FBO located on the east side of the airport.

This future expansion is causing the Army National Guard armory of the 769th Combat Engineer Battalion to relocate to the other side of Baton Rouge.

In September 2013, Baton Rouge Metro Airport announced the August passenger volume hit a 5 year high.

In September 2013, Baton Rouge Metro Airport announced Delta's "Red Coat" Service has been implemented at the check in terminal to assist customers.

[7] The expanded rotunda opened in October 2013 and the TSA checkpoint has been re-located to the new area, providing more room and allowing an additional line to be added when necessary.

The new rotunda provides an airy space for passengers that includes a floor-to-ceiling glass wall with a great view of the airfield and runways.

The airport's board of commissioners accepted a request for proposals from Holiday Inn representatives to explore building a 147-room hotel with a Mike Anderson's Seafood.

Holiday Inn representatives are still studying the market, but they are expected to make a determination in the next couple of months on whether they can build the hotel.