Discussions relating to the need for a new regional airport facility to serve the Sioux County area began in 1999. At that time, local officials had recognized that existing airport facilities could not safely accommodate current or future aeronautical demand. The area airports at that time were located in Orange City, Hawarden and Sioux Center. These airports all had constraints that limited usage and made them unable to accommodate larger planes. The constraints included deficiencies relating to runway lengths and widths, approach minimums, gradient issues and site obstructions.  These identified site constraints precluded development or expansion of existing facilities to comply with federal design standards for larger aircrafts. As a result of these deficiencies, a resource group was established, public meetings were held, potential locations for a new airport were evaluated and an Airport Feasibility Study was completed.

In 2004, the Sioux County Regional Airport Agency (SCRAA) was created with a partnership agreement by Sioux County, the City of Orange City and the City of Sioux Center. A feasibility study was submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and accepted by the FAA in May 2005.  Next an airport master plan/layout plan, environmental assessment and benefit/cost analysis were completed and accepted. Land acquisition by SCRAA began in 2010 and was completed in December 2013. In all, 492 acres of land is owned by SCRAA, including property for a future crosswind runway.

The current airport facility improvements have been designed and constructed in phases over the past five years. These improvements include the main runway (5,500 ft x 100 ft), a full-length taxiway, apron area, terminal building, multiple hangars buildings, wastewater system, water system, fueling systems, rotating beacon, a MALSER landing system, a weather observation tower, an equipment storage and maintenance building, access road and parking facilities.

Funding for the nearly $32 million project was provided with the combined support from the FAA, Iowa DOT, the project partners (Sioux Center, Orange City and Sioux County) and private fundraising.

The new Sioux County Regional Airport began operations in November 2018 and is owned and operated by the SCRAA partnership. This modern and well-equipped airport facility serves industry, business, medical, agricultural, charter and private air service, and provides safe and convenient travel for decades into the future.