An airfield was established at Salalah in 1935 by the British Royal Air Force for operations in support of the Sultan of Oman.

[5] Co-located with the civilian airport is a military airbase of the Royal Air Force of Oman called RAFO Salalah.

Oman Air began scheduled services to Dubai from Salalah in 2003, leading to increased passenger traffic while other Gulf carriers operated flights only during the Khareef season.

[7] The area is a popular tourist destination for both local citizens and foreigners, especially from July to September when the Asian monsoon touches the region commencing the start of the Khareef season, making it an unusually attractive location within the normally arid Gulf region.

[11] The airport's current runway will also be expanded to cater to the largest of aircraft, as well as the construction of a new parallel taxiway to the north.

[12] The international airport will also feature a 65,000 sqm passenger terminal building with car parking for up to 3,000 vehicles and a 57-meter high ATC Tower.

[8][11] Design of the airport takes into account future development projects and allows expansion to cater for up to six million passengers per year, if required.