Originally only a military airfield for the People's Liberation Army Air Force, the airport was first expanded for use by American bombers during World War II, and was later occupied by Japanese troops.

A small passenger terminal opened to commercial flights on 26 November 1993, though expanded commercial use of the airport has been hampered by continued heavy military presence due to the airport's proximity to the East China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in the winter of 1941, the airport began a major expansion for future use by United States Army Air Forces.

The airport's strategic location played a key role in World War II, with American aircraft frequenting the base for replenishment.

Located 500 km from Taiwan just at the edge of effective cruise missile and airstrike range, Quzhou is one of the largest and most important air bases of the PLAAF.