[1] The first use of Chambley-Bussières as an airfield was in 1940, when the French Air Force stationed 9 Potez 631 fighters and 5 Mureaux 117 observation aircraft on farmland.

In 1951, as a result of the Cold War threat of the Soviet Union, Chambley-Bussières was provided for use by the United States Air Force.

This flight was sent to receive, store and issue USAF supplies as needed by Air Force personnel and French contractors.

This team lived near the main train station in Metz on the local economy and ensured at least one USAF airman was always present on the new base to provide site security.

[citation needed] The design of the airfield was to space parked aircraft as far apart as possible by the construction of a circular marguerite system of hardstands that could be revetted later with earth for added protection.

Enough construction was completed by February 1954 that USAFE established the 7002d Air Base Squadron at Chambley to coordinate the set-up of various facilities, such as security, supply, transportation and communications.

[citation needed] With the departure of the 390th TFS/366 TFW, Chambley-Bussières AB was again placed in reserve status, being used for various USAFE exercises over the next two years.

After the USAF's departure in 1967, the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) assumed control of Chambley AB.

The airfield is still classified as being a military airfield, however many aeronautical activities take place in particular by the means of a club of ultralight aircraft since over 20 years and the "Lorraine Mondial Air Ballons", which is Europe's largest hot air balloon festival and takes place here every two years at the end of July.

[2] Since 16 July 2009, the main runway (05/23) of the airfield is now open to civil air traffic restricted to very light aircraft with code LFJY.