The airport is relatively small in size, but its runway has the capability and length to accept jets up to the Airbus A330.

With Japanese forces establishing bases on Guadalcanal which threatened the sea route between the U.S. and Australia, Admiral King distributed the joint basic plan for the occupation and defense of Efate (the island containing Port Vila) on 20 March 1942.

The US Navy's task was: (1) to construct, administer and operate a naval advance base, seaplane base, and harbor facilities; (2) to support Army forces in the defense of the island; (3) to construct an airfield and at least two outlying dispersal fields; (4) to provide facilities for the operation of seaplane-bombers.

[2] It was damaged in the 2024 Port Vila earthquake on 17 December,[3] causing its closure to non-humanitarian flights for 72 hours.

[5] This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency Media related to Bauerfield International Airport at Wikimedia Commons