[8] It was meant to replace the natural-surface old Kismayo Airfield that had been constructed during the Italian protectorate in the 1930s.
In August 2013, the Kismayo Airport was officially brought under the Juba Interim Administration.
Per agreement, management of the facility was scheduled to be transferred to the Federal Government of Somalia after a period of six months.
Revenues and resources generated from the airport will also be earmarked for Jubaland's service delivery and security sectors as well as local institutional development.
The airport has received flights from the 75th EAS[9] to resupply Danab and US forces operating in the region.