Luigi Teichfuss and Umberto Nannini, gliding enthusiasts, towards the beginning of the 1920s identified in the "I Piani di Pavullo" area an optimal location to host the future flying school, thanks to the particular morphology of the land and the favorable conditions weather.

With the support of Italo Balbo and the Commanders Vincenzo Ghibellini and Guido Corni, work began on the construction of the airfield in 1923, destined shortly thereafter to host the first and most important School of Italy for Gliding.

In 1930 the first barracks was built for the Italian Air Force cadets, to host them during training courses as students of the Regia flight school without motor.

Beginning in 2003, the redevelopment and upgrading works of the airport began, which are still taking place, making the infrastructure a reference point for Italy and Europe.

The main works were the enlargement of the airport with the construction of a new 1200-meter asphalt runway, the aprons for aircraft, the aeronautical and reception logistics infrastructures (hangars, offices, bars, restaurant, and guesthouse), fuel distributors, and other aviation support facilities.