With an extended terminal and runway capable of accommodating B 747 aircraft-type operation, the airport is equipped to handle 2.5 million passengers per annum and 1,000 passengers at peak hours.  In 2007, the airport handled 1.1 millions passengers and 43,234 aircraft movements.

Langkawi is well known for various tourist attractions and the host airport for Malaysia's premier biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).  The airport was refurbished and extended to cater to the increasing demand of the tourism and business industry.