During World War II, the airfield was called RAF Mingaladon and served as an operating base for fighter aircraft such as: Additional units: There was also a Communication Flight of the Burma Volunteer Air Force equipped with de Havilland Tiger Moths and Westland Lysanders and anti-aircraft support for the airfield was provided by members of the 12th Burma Rifles.

The British at the Wireless Experimental Centre in Delhi had decrypted BULBUL, the IJA air-to-ground code, and could predict Japanese air raids.

On one occasion Allied nightfighters "got the lot and all night we could hear Mingaladon air base calling for its lost children".

[citation needed] A modernization program was launched in April 2003 and resulted in a new terminal and an extended 3414 m runway.

[10] Designed by the Airport Development Division of CPG Corporation of Singapore, a new terminal was constructed at a cost of US$13.3 million by Asia World.

[15] In 2013, a contract worth $150 million was awarded to a consortium led by an affiliate of Asia World to construct a new domestic terminal and expansion of airport apron.

"[17] The building was designed by the CPG Corporation of Singapore and constructed by the Asia World Company costing US$13.3 million.

Stops on the return journey include Sule, Yangon Railway Station, Zoological Gardens, Bahan 3rd Street, Shwegondine, Lanni, Kaba-Aye Pagoda, Nawade, 8 Mile and the airport.