On 15 June 2020, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, B. S. Yediyurappa, laid the foundation stone to start the construction of the airport at a cost of ₹ 4.5 billion.

[8] A team of experts from Airports Authority of India (AAI) visited the two identified suitable sites, at Sogane near Shimoga and Nagarabavi near Ayanur on 4 April 2006.

Of the two sites inspected by the AAI team, the one at Sogane was found most suitable, due to its wind direction and velocity conditions.

[13] The foundation stone for the Phase I of construction was laid by former Chief Minister of Karnataka, B. S. Yeddyurappa, on 20 June 2008.

Bengaluru-based company, Regional Airport-Holdings International Limited (RAHI), acquired 22% in the project and overall management and financial control.

In January 2015, the government decided to annul the land allotment for the airport because of “indifference and infighting” among the promoters.

The Land Lease Deed signed on 21 December 2010[23] commits the lessee to a rent of ₹ 20,232 per acre annually to the GoK (13.4 million).

The airport is designed to operate Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 type aircraft, and can handle about 350 peak hour passengers.