The airfield was laid out in 1926 by the local flying club (Verein für Luftfahrt und Flugwesen). Between 1930 and 1934, Zwickau ranked 30th out of 79 German airports in terms of passenger numbers. After sustaining severe damage in 1944, it was rebuilt and opened up to air traffic again in 1953.
But with extensive residential development having taken place in the immediate vicinity, noise control restrictions were imposed in 1973, which meant that the airfield could only be used by gliders. Today, this leisure facility operated by the Aero Club Zwickau offers glider flights and aerial sightseeing tours. The Aero Club Zwickau has over 170 members and is the largest amateur flying association in Saxony.