The civilian airport became operational in 1938. In 2009, Bihor County contracted consultancy services regarding the extension of the runway, the construction of a
cargo terminal, and the renovation of the
passenger terminal. The airport terminal is now renovated to
European Union (and
Schengen Area) standards, and offers various specific facilities and modern amenities such as car rental, exchange offices, various shops, etc. Regarding the runway (and other connected facilities), the Bihor County Commission completed the final contractual formalities with the EU Commission representatives, as this type of infrastructure work was eligible for European funds. A
€30 million financing agreement for the EU funds was signed on 7 February 2014. Works on the new runway, two rapid-exit taxiways and other facility buildings began on 20 October 2014. In May 2025, the new cargo terminal opened with 13.000 square meters of facilities. The construction works for the runway modernization were completed on 30 October 2015. In the summer of 2024, the
county established a public company to subsidize international flights. As of May 2025,
HiSky,
LOT Polish Airlines and
Lufthansa have been approved. ==Airlines and destinations==