It is the oldest operating commercial airport in Asia. Commercial flights began in 1924. The airfield was used jointly by military and civilian aircraft.

Civilian air services resumed from the airport in 1947. Until 1951, these services were exclusively handled by the state-owned company Siamase Airways Co. Ltd. (now Thai Airways).

In 1948, the airport changed its name from "Don Muang Airfield" to "Don Muang Airport".

On June 21, 1955, the airport changed its name again from "Don Muang Airport" to "Capital Airport," a name it retained until its temporary closure in 2006.

On March 13, 2007, the airport reverted to its original name, "Don Muang Airport," but added one letter to its English name: Don Mueang. The airport also received a new code, DMK, as the previously used BKK was transferred to Suvarnabhumi Airport.