Valan was chosen despite the poor conditions, which force approach to take place in a semi-circle. Construction cost 17.4 million Norwegian krone (NOK), of which NOK 15.8 million was covered by the state and the remainder by Nordkapp Municipality and Finnmark County Municipality. The airport opened on 30 June 1977; it was initially operated by the municipality with the state operating the air navigation services.
Valan was chosen despite unfavorable conditions, leading to a construction approach in a semi-circle formation.  The project cost 17.4 million Norwegian krone (NOK), with the state covering 15.8 million and the remaining amount being shared by Nordkapp Municipality and Finnmark County Municipality. The airport opened on June 30, 1977, initially operated by the municipality while the state managed air navigation services.