Lonorore began as a grass airstrip, capable of accommodating 20-seater Twin Otter aircraft in good conditions, although it was frequently unusable due to waterlogging in wet weather.

The airport was upgraded in 2008–2009 with a longer, tarmacked runway capable of operating in most weather conditions and being used by larger ATR aircraft, though in practice the airport is still serviced only by Twin Otters, together with Islanders and small charter planes.

Lonorore is used for Air Vanuatu domestic flights to Port Vila and Santo, sometimes via Ambae.

Between April and June the airport caters for significant numbers of day trippers from Port Vila who come to watch the weekly land-diving ceremonies.

On flight days, women often set up markets near the airport, selling homegrown vegetables and homecooked food.