The joint-use airport is also known by its historic name of Zokniai aerodrome (Lithuanian: Zoknių aerodromas) and is located 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) southeast of the city of Šiauliai in northern Lithuania.

Zokniai area was first used as an aerial warfare facility in 1916–1917, when the German forces built hangars for their Zeppelin airships.

[4] At that time, it was able to host 35 aircraft,[2] including Ansaldo A.120, Letov Š-20, Gloster Gladiator, de Havilland Dragon Rapide and the domestically produced ANBO 41.

The first NATO F-16 jet fighters from the Belgian Air Component landed in March 2004.

The airport has a passenger terminal, meeting the requirements of the Schengen Area, but it is used only for the irregular flights.

[13] Since the airport is also a military facility, it is not subject to noise regulations and is open 24 hours a day.