Misawa City is known as a "sky city" because of the first successful transPacific flight in the world. In 1931, the feat was accomplished by two young American fliers. Misawa Airport serves as a base airport of the Japan Air Self Defense Force, the US Armed Forces and private airline companies following World War II.

Since the air route between Tokyo-Misawa-Sapporo was opened in 1952, Misawa City has developed rapidly. The present airport terminal building was built in 1985, a charter flight from Misawa to Hawaii was established for Misawa citizens in 1988. Other international destinations include Australia in 1988 and Singapore in 1999.