The airport is located 24.5 km (15.2 mi) northeast of the city center in a graded mountainous area about 2,100 m (6,900 ft) above sea level.

The first occurred on January 3, 2010, when seven construction workers died as an incomplete overpass collapsed.

In July 2014, Kunming airport signed an agreement with the aviation data service company VariFlight regarding the Airport Collaborative Decision Making system (A-CDM) installation in order to improve the efficiency of its operations, reduce fuel consumption and other expenses.

Kunming airport became the first aviation hub in China to implement such an information system.

The line opened on the same day as the airport, and originally terminated at East Coach Station on its west side.