[7] The airport is located in Jhiurheri, Punjab and shares space with the Indian Air Force.

[13] In 2008, the Government of Punjab acquired 304.04 acres of land on the south side of the existing runway in Jhiurheri village at a cost of ₹452 crore (equivalent to ₹13 billion or US$150 million in 2023) to build the new terminal, which was completed in 2015 at a cost of ₹939 crore (equivalent to ₹14 billion or US$160 million in 2023).

[17][2] On 24 December 2015, the Mohali Industries Association filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Punjab and Haryana High Court for non-operation of international flights after spending ₹1,400 crore (equivalent to ₹21 billion or US$240 million in 2023) on the airport.

[18][19] After numerous hearings at Punjab and Haryana High Court and a long wait, IndiGo and Air India Express commenced flights to Dubai and Sharjah respectively in September 2016.

Additional runway approach lighting in the touchdown zone was installed in 2021 to assist in landing during foggy weather.

[citation needed] The airport includes an integrated common use cargo terminal.