In accordance with the government's plan to develop the eastern area and domestic air transportation, the Civil Aeronautics Administration founded Hualien Airport on May 16, 1962 . It is a type B airport operating in domestic flight.

On April 27, 2001 , it was officially certified by the Administrative Yuan that Japanese chartered planes would take off and land at this airport. It became the first type B airport that was allowed by the Civil Aeronautics Administration to provide international service.

The opening ceremony for the New Hualien Airport Terminal Building was held on March 18, 2004 , and the terminal was put into operation officially on March 19. The design of the New Hualien Terminal Building combines the housing features of the Aborigines with the image of Chinese courtyard housing; it is filled with light and a relaxing atmosphere. The New Terminal Building looks like a gigantic bird spanning its wings to fly high into the sky, symbolizing new hope for the booming and vigorous development of all industries and the economy in the Hualien Area. Also becoming a landmark in the Western Pacific Coast.