[4] It is classified as an Airport of entry by Nav Canada and partnered with the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority.

The airport was formally a military airbase and training school known as RCAF Station Kingston and as such the airport was originally built by Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and is home to Royal Canadian Air Force Association 416 Wing Kingston.

In 1940, during the Second World War, an airfield was built to the west of Kingston to serve as a training station for the Royal Air Force's No.

[8] In 2018, the city extended runway 01/19 from 5,000 ft to 6,001 ft. At the same time, the terminal was under construction with plans to expand the post security waiting area to accommodate larger aircraft such as a 737 or Q400.

Construction is also underway at the departure and arrival areas to accommodate more passengers as well as a general renovation to make it more inviting and accessible.

[9] On August 31, 2020, FlyGTA Airlines announced that it would begin regular passenger service four days per week between Kingston and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport on September 10.

On December 9, 2021, Pascan Aviation announced that it would begin regular passenger service between Kingston and Montréal–Trudeau International Airport starting March 14, 2022.

[12] On August 30, 2022, at Norman Rogers Airport a press conference was hosted by Mark Gerretsen, the MP for Kingston and the Islands, concerning federal funding totaling $2.8 million through the Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI).

[14][15]On December 1, 2022, the City of Kingston announced that Pascan Aviation will be pausing their air service at YGK Airport as of January 6, 2023.

The general public has expressed concern regarding the absence of open communication and a well-defined strategy for reinstating air services.

There is also guidance for private aircraft needing fuel or parking on Kingston Flying Club Advisory (122.800 MHz).

[20] Kingston also has a non-directional beacon (NDB) that transmits "YGK" in Morse code on the longwave radio frequency of 263 kHz.