There are general aviation hangars located to both the north and the south of the main terminal, as well as an avgas pump at the southern end of the apron.

In the past, the airport has been served by a number of airlines on domestic routes including Ansett New Zealand, Origin Pacific Airways and Qantas.

[3] These extensions, in conjunction with the already-completed upgrade of the terminal building and facilities,[11] made the airport capable of handling international flights to Australia.

[13] In October 2014, the Rotorua District Council decided, in conjunction with Air New Zealand, to stop subsidising the service as they felt that the amount they were funding, which equated to around $1 million per year, could be better spent on other initiatives.

[5][15] Critics cite concern over on-going debt servicing and operating costs, anticipated noise levels, the destruction of natural forest and privately owned planted trees to accommodate the newly lowered flight path, and potential safety issues.