Although plans to build an airport near Concepción date back to 1954, construction began only in 1960, shortly after the 22 May earthquake, as it became imperative to build a modern airport to link Chile's south-central region with the rest of the country. The airport was opened to the public on 3 January 1968. No airline accidents have been recorded at the airport, although bird ingestions during takeoff have occurred, causing rejected takeoffs or emergency returns from departing aircraft. No casualties from these ingestions have been recorded. In 2000, the original terminal building was decommissioned and turned over to the aviation authority for administrative use. A new terminal, operated by AEROSUR S.A., was opened north of the latter allowing the installation of four jetways, Customs and Immigration service, a VIP lounge, and a duty-free store. The old ramp was retained, increasing the number of parking spaces from five to ten (the original five plus four jetways and one remote parking adjacent to jetway #4) In 2025, the airport plans to restart international flights.