The aviation history of Holguín originates in a makeshift runway built near the Hill of the Cross (Spanish: Loma de la Cruz) in the city.

[1][4] As the tourism sector in Guardalavaca grew during the early 1990s, there was a need for a new international terminal, which was constructed in 1996 by Canadian infrastructure company Intelcan Technosystems.

[6] Carried out to reduce congestion in the terminal during peak season, the expansion included additional customs facilities and a new VIP lounge.

The international terminal can handle up to 1,200 passengers per hour and has various duty-free shops, restaurants and car rental agencies as well as a VIP lounge.

[5] Built during the Cold War, the airbase is one of the most important in the country, housing large barracks and bunkers for fighter aircraft.