Milan airport officially renamed 'Silvio Berlusconi'
The main Milan airport received the new name in 2024; the decision has since faced court challenges.
Milan's main international airport has been officially renamed in honor of the late Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, whose death in 2023 prompted a campaign to attach his name to the gateway. The new designation was approved in 2024 but later encountered legal challenges.
"The knowledge that the 'Milan-Malpensa Silvio Berlusconi' airport will welcome thousands of passengers from around the world every day fills me with pride and emotion," said Maria Elvira Berlusconi, the eldest daughter of the late politician.
The change affects Milan–Malpensa, the city's principal international hub. Administratively and in signage the airport will carry Berlusconi's name, reflecting a decision taken by regional authorities in 2024.
Legal hurdles and public debate
Shortly after the approval, opponents brought legal challenges that delayed parts of the renaming process and prompted debate over whether an airport should bear the name of a recent political figure. Authorities have defended the move as a recognition of Berlusconi's impact on Italy's public life.
Milan–Malpensa remains the second-largest airport in Italy, after Rome's Fiumicino, handling international and domestic traffic for the Lombardy region and beyond.
The renaming is expected to affect official documents, some signage and future communications from the airport and regional transport bodies as legal processes continue.
Photo: DPA)
