Dubbed as the Philippines' "Most Scenic Gateway",[2] the airport is located in Daraga, an adjacent municipality of Legazpi.

[6] On March 4 and 5, 2006, officials in Daraga, where the airport would be constructed, discussed with the barangay captains and Leaders of barangays Alobo, Inarado, Kinawitan, Burgos, Martos territory, Velasco Hacienda, and Mabini over the conversion of agricultural lands into industrial lands for the airport.

It will be the first international airport to be built in Bicolandia and, according to Daraga Mayor Gerry Rodrigueza Jaucian, would be a testament to economic growth in the region and of the dreams of Bicolanos, as shown in the following excerpt from the Manila Times: "We’re grateful to the President for fulfilling the Bicolanos’ dream to have an international airport.

[13] In September 2012, the Department of Budget and Management released ₱4.6 billion to support the public-private partnership (PPP) projects of the DOTC.

Of the total, the airport will receive ₱2 billion to develop and fund the engineering of runways and taxiways.

[14] Construction works for the runway, taxiway, apron, and fences were mostly left uncompleted in 2012, and budget was reverted to the national treasury.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the airport was held on December 8, 2016,[15] with the construction of landside facilities that began in the same year.

The airport was inaugurated by President Rodrigo Duterte on October 7, 2021,[3][2] with operations commencing the following day.

[19] The airport will initially handle domestic operations, while international flights were expected to start by November 7.