Following extensive renovation in 2008 the airport was renamed after Roberto Pisani Marinho (1904–2003), a journalist and former president of Globo Network.

On November 14, 1927 the Compagnie Générale Aéropostale started its operations in Brazil flying between Natal and Buenos Aires, with multiple stops on the Brazilian coast, using aircraft with landing gear having as pilots Jean Mermoz, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and Henri Guillaumet among others.

Even though Campo dos Afonsos had a better structure and easier access, the air approach was difficult and the weather was not always good.

During the year 2007 Jacarepaguá Airport underwent major renovations as preparations for the 2007 Pan American Games.

Later, Infraero considered the airport in condition to handle the increase of traffic during the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics.