Built in part of the grounds of Speke Hall, Speke Airport  started scheduled flights in 1930 with a service by Imperial Airways via Barton Airport, Manchester, to Croydon Airport, London. However, it was not "officially" opened until the summer of 1933. By the late 1930s, air traffic from Liverpool was beginning increase with rising demand for Irish Sea crossings. A distinctive passenger terminal, control tower and two large aircraft hangars were built.

During World War II, the airport was taken over by the Royal Air Force and known as RAF Speke. Rootes built many bombers in a shadow factory here, including Bristol Blenheims and 1,070 Handley Page Halifaxes. Lockheed Aircraft Corporation assembled many types including Hudsons and Mustangs, shipped from the United States to Liverpool Docks. The airport was also home to the Merchant Ship Fighter Unit.

The city took over control of the airport on 1 January 1961 and prepared development plans. A new modern passenger terminal, adjacent to the runway on the southern airfield site, opened in 1986, and this was followed by the closure of the original 1930s building which is now a Grade II listed art deco hotel.

The building was constructed in the 1930s, as the terminal building for the airport, then known as Speke Aerodrome. It is still sometimes seen on repeats of early television news footage, with its terraces packed with fans waiting to greet the Beatles on their return from tour. When it was replaced with a more modern building on a different location in 1986, it was left derelict for over a decade. However it has since been renovated and adapted to become a Crown Plaza hotel, opening for business in 2001. The alterations involved adding two new bedroom wings on the frontage of the hotel, but the airside aspect has been preserved intact.

The former apron of the terminal is also listed and has been retained in its original condition, although it is no longer connected to the airport or subject to airside access control. It is the home of several aircraft, including BAe Jetstream 41, prototype G-JMAC and Bristol Britannia G-ANCF, preserved by the Jetstream Club. Additionally, the club looks after a replica de Havilland Dragon Rapide that is displayed in front of the hotel entrance.

The two art deco style hangars that flank the terminal and apron have also been converted for new uses. One is now a David Lloyd leisure centre, whilst the other has been adapted as the headquarters of the Shop Direct Group, and is now known as Skyways House.