The airport, which is situated approximately 1 km (0.62 mi) from downtown Lahad Datu, serves the town of Lahad Datu and its neighbouring districts such as Kinabatangan, FELDA Sahabat, and Kunak.

The airport can accommodate aircraft as large as the ATR72, and the terminal building can handle up to 100,000 passengers annually.

[1] Currently the airport has basic facilities and amenities to facilitate turboprop aircraft operations.

However no radar or Atc services are available with radio positioning feedback to be liaise directly with Kota Kinabalu FIR.

[3] All approaches are conducted visually with the airport usually closed by sunset.