It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023-27, in which it is categorized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility.

Two commuter airlines, Francis Airways and Northern Skyways, provided service to other Michigan cities, then ceased the flights after two years.

[6] In 1961, an airport traffic control tower was built and the main runway was extended from 3,900 feet to 5,300.

The airport eventually won an award for the safest and most efficient air traffic control system in the Great Lakes region.

The public charter Direct Air was subject to Chapter 7 liquidation on April 12, 2012 and has since ceased all operations.

[11] In the 1970s, there were discussions between North Central Airlines and local city officials about building a new airport to serve Battle Creek and Kalamazoo.

[12] Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport covers 832 acres (337 ha) at an elevation of 874 feet (266 m) above mean sea level.

[14] Kalamazoo Airport is used by transient and local private pilots flying for personal reasons, business, or recreation.

The Western Michigan University College of Aviation, founded in 1939, used the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport as a base for its flight school until 1997.

In the early 1990s, the flight school began to outgrow the facilities, and, in 1997, the college moved to Battle Creek's W. K. Kellogg Airport, where all operations are presently housed.

In the 1970s, private flight training operations were restricted to two local FBOs: Kal Aero and Lakala Aviation.

The facility competes with airports in nearby communities such as South Bend, Grand Rapids, Chicago, and Detroit.

Furthermore, the airport has used several grants and incentives to attract and retain additional flights and carriers in recent years.

The original Kalamazoo terminal was a small building made with scrap materials left over from other local projects.

The air traffic control tower provides ATC services between the hours of 6:00–23:00 local time.

The new terminal, designed by Reynolds, Smith & Hills, opened in April 2011 and accommodates additional passenger gates, security lanes, and baggage carousels.

[8][21][22] Commonly referred to as the "Air Zoo", the museum offers many historic aircraft, simulators, a restaurant, and one of the region's only 4-D theaters.