The airport construction started in 2006 and finished in 2008.[4] This airport is actually located in Sungai Salak Village, Tempuling District, 24 km from Tembilahan. The runway has been extended from 1,350 metres to 1,800 metres to accommodate larger aircraft than previous, and the airport now is able to accommodate aircraft equivalent to BAe 146 and ATR 72.[5]
A new airport terminal is under construction and was expected to be finished in 2019.