This airport takes its name from Air Vice-Marshal Halim Perdanakusuma, an Indonesian aviator.

Until then, it served all international routes bound for Jakarta, while Kemayoran handled domestic flights.

The closure of Kemayoran in 1985 meant that Halim would serve as the secondary airport of Jakarta, mostly handling charter flights, general aviation, and flying school base for the next 29 years.

[5] In early November 2021, Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation announced they would close the airport temporarily for public use for the next nine months for renovation.

This decision was made based on the evaluation of Halim's aging infrastructure, like the runways and terminals, and the impact to the airport's quality of services.

This terminal is used solely by the President of the Republic of Indonesia and other VVIPs, including for state visits.

The route will stretch 33 kilometers, from Halim-Cawang-Manggarai-Tanah Abang-Sudirman-Pluit-Terminal 2&3 SHIA, on surface, underground and elevated, and has been agreed to by Peraturan Menteri Nomor 1264 Tahun 2013 of the Transportation Ministry.