The airstrip was constructed in 1962 along with the establishment of a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) factory nearby at Sunabeda.

[8] In 2011, the state public works department (PWD) prepared a proposed investment of around ₹ 6 crore to renovate the airstrip.

The masterplan included upgrading the terminal building with modern facilities, widening of the apron, a wider approach road from the national highway and construction of a compound wall.

[6] In April 2013, the Government of Odisha began the process of acquiring more land in order to expand the airstrip.

[12] On 31 October 2022, the regional airline carrier, IndiaOne Air, began direct flight services from the airport to Bhubaneswar.