The airport was originally a military airfield with three 800-metre (2,625 ft) airstrips called Kavaheden, built during World War II.

The sole surviving airstrip was later extended to 1,350 metres (4,429 ft) before being opened to regular civilian flights on 19 April 1971.

From the bankruptcy of Nextjet on 18 May 2018 until 14 September 2018, there were no regular passenger flights serving Gällivare Lapland Airport.

During that period Kiruna Airport operated flight transfer buses to Gällivare.

[2] The following airlines operate regular scheduled and charter flights at Gällivare Lapland Airport: There is a taxi stand as well as short-term and long-term parking lots at the airport.