The airport was built by PT Arun NGL to facilitate the transport of Lhokseumawe and its vicinity to the city of Medan.

The airport served by the airline ever since at least Jatayu Air passenger land transport between Banda Aceh and Medan.

PT Arun NGL initially used aircraft owned by Pelita Air Service to daily flights Lhokseumawe - Medan route.

Towards the lid PT Arun NGL, operation and ownership of the airport were turned over to the City of Lhokseumawe.

Currently, Citilink and Wings Air are the airlines that fly to airport Malikus Saleh on Lhokseumawe-Medan route.