After several previous projects in the 1920s by the federal government and the city of Lucerne, the Municipal Assembly of Emmen decided in 1938 to make a contribution of CHF 200,000 for the construction of the airfield.

This means that no jet aircraft squadron is stationed in Emmen, but the airfield is still used as a training and alternate air base.

The air base is, at both ends of the runway, equipped with retractable arresting gear devices (used by the F/A-18C Hornet and in case of a problem by the F-5E Tiger).

The RUAG Aviation manages a total quota of 1,000 flight movements per year for civilian use.

In the summer flight break find exceptionally organized by the private sector, civil major events take place.