Mường Thanh Airport was constructed by the French to serve the Điện Biên Phủ stronghold. It played a pivotal role in the strategy to establish a large-scale base aimed at defeating the Vietnamese main force and reclaiming Indochina. The airport's runway was assembled using thousands of prefabricated iron sheets flown in from France, dropped by parachute, and assembled in Điện Biên. The runway spanned 25 meters wide and 120 meters long.

After the victory at Điện Biên Phủ, civilian air transport officially began at Điện Biên Airport under military management by 1958, albeit with limited flights. Despite the liberation of the North, the airport remained operational but saw minimal use. It wasn't until 1984, commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, that the flight route between Hà Nội and Điện Biên was reinstated, utilising AN24, AK40 aircraft, among others. Subsequently, the airport resumed operations with a 1,400-meter-long runway coated with aluminum.

After a period of operation, technical constraints led to the closure of the runway on January 30, 1995, for repair and maintenance. Following repairs, Điện Biên Airport resumed operations with a main infrastructure comprising a 1,830m x 30m runway; a basic equipment system; a parking area for three aircraft; and a passenger terminal built in 2004 with a capacity of 300,000 passengers per year. However, due to limitations in static conditions at both ends of the runway (obstructed by mountains), only small aircraft such as the ATR72 and its equivalents could operate during the day (weather permitting).

To meet the economic and social development demands of Điện Biên specifically and the Northwest region in general, on March 27, 2021, the Prime Minister approved the investment proposal for the expansion of Điện Biên Airport.

After more than 8 months of temporary closure for construction and expansion purposes, on December 2, 2023, Điện Biên Airport officially resumed operations. This marked the first time Điện Biên Airport welcomed large and modern aircraft such as the A320, A321, and their equivalents. With the expansion investment, the flight time from Hà Nội to Điện Biên and vice versa takes only about 35 minutes, while from Hồ Chí Minh City to Điện Biên, it's just under two hours.

The upgraded Điện Biên Airport has significantly contributed to attracting investment in tourism, commerce, and services, harnessing the unique cultural value of the ethnic communities. Notably, it has enhanced the value of the Điện Biên Phủ battlefield relic complex – the province's greatest potential and advantage. In the provincial development plan for 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, the province emphasises transportation development with Điện Biên Airport as the main driving force, crucial to tourism, services, and commerce development.

Just 4 months after its reopening, the number of passengers passing through Điện Biên Airport reached 906 flights with a total of 69,900 passengers transported. Passenger volume in Q1/2024 through Điện Biên Airport increased by over 38 per cent compared to the same period in 2022 and nearly 77 per cent compared to the same period in 2021.

2024 is designated as the National Tourism Year - Điện Biên, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, estimating a significant increase in visitors. Since the beginning of the year, airlines have increased the number of flights to meet passenger demand. Specifically, Vietjet Air increased the frequency of flights from Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City to Điện Biên to 28 flights per week. Vietnam Airlines nearly doubled the frequency of flights to Điện Biên from May 3-8. Specifically, the airline will operate 3 flights per day from Hanoi to Điện Biên and vice versa, catering to the demand during the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory.

Alongside tourism development, the construction and expansion of the airport significantly contribute to attracting investment in the province, boosting the economy, and enhancing the ability to mobilise total social investment capital in the 2021-2025 period by approximately VNĐ15 trillion. Local budget revenues in 2025 are expected to increase by at least VNĐ170 billion; per capita income is projected to increase by about US$189 in 2025; and about 8,000 jobs are expected to be created. In Q1/2024, total investment for development reached over VNĐ3.6 trillion, of which non-state investment reached nearly VNĐ2 trillion, increasing by nearly 4 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.

The expansion investment in Điện Biên Airport will impact international connectivity and regional development. Điện Biên plays a crucial role in Việt Nam's connectivity with China and ASEAN, being directly adjacent to Yunnan Province (China), and Phongsaly and Luang Prabang Provinces (Laos).

From a French military makeshift airfield, Điện Biên Airport has now become a modern aviation hub in the North. It is considered a significant milestone in Việt Nam's aviation industry, opening up opportunities and creating new impetus for the economic and social development of Điện Biên province and the Northwest region. To date, Điện Biên is the only province among the 6 Northwestern provinces with an operational airport.