In 1942, a grass track measuring one thousand meters (runway 09/27), which served the airbase of the Brazilian Army, was the only way that São Luís had to receive flights. Runway 06/24 was built as part of the US base which began operating in 1943. In 1974, technical jurisdiction, administrative and operational services were transferred to
Infraero. The new terminal of the airport was opened in June 1998 and in October 2004, it was upgraded to international category. Previously operated by
Infraero, on April 7, 2021,
CCR won a 30-year concession to operate the airport. On April 26, 2025 CCR was rebranded as Motiva. On November 18, 2025 the entire airports portfolio of Motiva was sold to the Mexican airport operator
ASUR. Motiva will cease to operate airports. On February 10, 2026 the transaction was still pending government approval. ==Airlines and destinations==