[3] The airport attracts a diverse range of carriers to service the travel needs of the business, commercial, industrial, leisure and visiting friends and relatives sectors.

Until 1945, Mackay Airport served as an important operational military base due to its proximity to the South West Pacific Area.

The old terminal is still in use today, with a flight school operating out of one of its tenancies, offering a variety of pilot training programs in addition to more advanced flying qualifications.

This move prompted an angry local reaction in Mackay, which eventually led to the port authority gaining control of the airport.

In 2016, the cross runway 05/23 (1,344 m x 30 m)[8] was closed and partially converted into a taxiway[9] due to prohibitive lighting and pavement maintenance costs.

Horizon Airways has expanded to a fleet of 9 aircraft, and provides regular charter flights to various local locations, particularly Keswick and Hamilton Islands.