The aerodrome was established by flying enthusiasts in 1928, when the Omaka Domain Board set 30 acres of land aside for free use by the Marlborough Aero Club.

The following year, the land size had reached 75 acres and the club was loaned one of the first Gypsy Moth aircraft by the New Zealand Government.

Omaka Airfield is still owned by the Marlborough Aero Club and offers pilot training. It adjoins the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre and is the location for Classic Fighters – a major airshow held every two years.