Vilhelmina Airport began regular flights in the early 1970s, initially offering two weekday services on the Vilhelmina–Strömsund–Sundsvall route. The airport has gradually expanded its facilities, adding capacity and routes over the years. In 2001, the Swedish government introduced public service obligations, mandating state-supported flights to ensure rural air access, including daily round-trip flights to Stockholm.

In 2007, Vilhelmina Airport handled 16,293 passengers. Due to the 2010 closure of Storuman Airport, some passengers from Storuman now use Vilhelmina Airport. Renovations have modernised the terminal and upgraded runway surfaces. Plans have been proposed to extend the runway from 1,500 to 2,300 metres to accommodate larger jet aircraft.

On 27 January 2012, Vilhelmina Airport was renamed South Lapland Airport as part of a collaboration between the municipalities of Vilhelmina, Åsele, Dorotea, and Strömsund, which established a joint company, South Lapland Eco Invest AB. This entity aims to extend the airport's runway, currently the shortest in Norrland, to attract larger planes from across Sweden and Europe. The four municipalities hold equal ownership in the new company.

In June 2023, South Lapland Airport projected that it would require 35 million SEK over the next five years for infrastructure and operational improvements. Essential costs include upgrades to aging machinery, resurfacing the runway, and implementing a backup power system. The pandemic initially caused a reduction in traffic, but passenger numbers have recently risen to around 11,000, compared to a peak of 16,000 before 2020. However, ongoing financial shortfalls prompted the municipality to consider staff reductions, which proved challenging due to the specialised certifications required.