Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) was the sole operator at the airport, providing feeder services between Peshawar, Zhob, Multan, Lahore and Islamabad using Fokker F-27 aircraft.

[3] With the reopening plans, the CAA decided to upgrade the airport which would eventually facilitate the initiation of international flights for the people of the area working abroad and the business community.

[4] The first flight was expected to be launched on 27 October 2008 on the sector Quetta - Zhob - Dera Ismail Khan - Peshawar - Islamabad.

In mid-2022, the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation was still considering matters related to the revival of the Dera Ismail Khan Airport.

The body urged the government to ensure that it served the people of Pakistan and “reviving this airport will be a huge service to them”.