The airport was built during the bubble economy to service the long-distance transport needs of northern Hyogo since this area lacked a motorway and shinkansen.

The airport started construction in the late 80s and was finished in 1994, right as Japan's economic crisis was getting into full swing.

As such the airport has never managed to attain the predicted passenger numbers and is heavily subsidised by the prefectural government.

[3] The flight competes with the more frequent Kounotori limited express train for passenger traffic between northern Hyogo and Osaka, and thus mainly attracts connecting traffic from other Japanese cities.

[4] Various local authorities provide subsidies of up to 6,000 yen for Tajima Airport area residents who take the flight.