:format(webp)/nginx/o/2026/09/25/17938192t1h37aa.jpg "Milan Malpensa Airport Officially Named After Silvio Berlusconi")
Milan Malpensa Airport was officially renamed Milano Malpensa – Silvio Berlusconi after Italy’s second-busiest aviation hub adopted the name of the late billionaire, media tycoon, and former prime minister. Berlusconi died in June 2023 at the age of 86, and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority approved the dedication in July 2024.
Official Naming Ceremony at Terminal 1
The dedication took place during a ceremony at Terminal 1, where officials unveiled a silver plaque honoring the former leader. Attendees at the event included Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini and members of the Berlusconi family, such as his daughter Marina Berlusconi. Marina Berlusconi described the event as an emotional moment and said that she was filled with pride to see her father’s name linked to an airport that welcomes travelers from all over the world.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
The decision to rename the airport faced opposition from the Milan city administration and three neighboring municipalities in the Lombardy region. Local leaders challenged the civil aviation authority’s authority to alter place names and cited a law requiring a ten-year waiting period following an individual’s death before monuments can be established. However, the Lombardy Regional Administrative Court dismissed those legal challenges in April, ruling the petitions unacceptable and clearing the path for the new designation to take effect.
Impact on Airport Operations
Despite the official title change, day-to-day operations for travelers remain unaffected. The international airport code—MXP—stays the same, and airlines will continue using existing ticketing and baggage handling documentation. Milan joins other major Italian transportation hubs named after famous Italians, such as Leonardo da Vinci Airport in Rome and Marco Polo Airport in Venice.
Political Legacy and Public Debate
Silvio Berlusconi dominated Italian politics for three decades as the founder of the Forza Italia party, serving as prime minister. Supporters remember him as a charismatic statesman who elevated Italy's profile on the global stage, while critics characterize him as a populist who used political power for personal advantage. The airport renaming reflects his enduring presence in Italy’s collective memory amid ongoing debate over his political legacy.
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