The airport was built to be a logistics distribution center in the highland region of Papua, as well as supporting the mobility of people and goods.

[2] After extensive delays, the airport was finally inaugurated by President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on 18 October 2016.

Jokowi personally wanted this airport to be developed and requested Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi to extend the runway from 1,950 m to 2,500 metres over the next 2 years.

The following destinations are served from Nop Goliat Dekai Airport: On March 11, 2023, a Trigana Air Boeing 737-500 (PK-YSC) operating IL-221 from Jayapura to Yahukimo was shot at on approach.

[6] On February 17, 2024, a Wings Air ATR 72-600 (PK-WGT) operating IW 1646 from Timika to Yahukimo was shot at on approach, injuring one passenger.