Like NAIA, These World Airports are Named After Famous People
A bill seeking to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport has been filed by a lawmaker, stirring conversation online.
The Philippines' main gateway is named after opposition leader Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., whose assassination at its tarmac in 1983 sparked the People Power revolution three years later that restored democracy in the country.
Across the world, airports are usually named after leaders and icons who have made major contributions to their respective countries such as the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York and the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, India.
Below are some airports named after leaders, artists, and even athletes:
1. John F. Kennedy Airport
Commonly known as JFK, the John F. Kennedy Airport is the main international gateway to New York City. The airport was renamed after the 35th president of the United States as a tribute following his assassination in 1963.
2. Indira Gandhi International Airport
The Indira Gandhi International Airport is the main international airport serving Delhi, India and is deemed the busiest in the country in terms of passenger traffic. The airport was named after India's former prime minister, Indira Gandhi.
3. Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Beatles star John Lennon has an airport named after him in his hometown, Liverpool in England.
The airport was originally called Speke Airport and was named after the English legendary musician in 2001.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport
The airport located in Santa Cruz, Portugal is named after Cristiano Ronaldo, who is hailed as one of the greatest footballers of all time and is the only living figure on this list.
In 2016 and 2017, Ronaldo was the world's highest-paid athlete according to Forbes.
5. Salzburg Airport W.A. Mozart
Named after Austrian composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Salzburg airport is Austria's second-largest airport and serves as the gateway to Austria's ski areas.
6. Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport
The main airport of Rome, Italy is named after polymath Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as the epitome of the Renaissance man.
An architect, engineer, painter, scientist, and theorist, Da Vinci is known for his many contributions to the arts and science. His masterpiece and best-known work, the Mona Lisa, is often regarded as the most famous painting in the world.
7. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
Originally called the Moisant International Airport, the gateway's name was changed twice to New Orleans International Airport in 1961 and finally, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in 2001 to honor the 100th birth anniversary of Louis Armstrong, one of the most influential figures in Jazz.
The musician, whose career spanned five decades, was born and raised in New Orleans.
8. Venice Marco Polo Airport
The international airport of Venice, Italy is named after Venetian merchant Marco Polo, whose travels to Asia were chronicled in a book called The Travels of Marco Polo.
His travel book is regarded to have inspired navigator Christopher Columbus and many other travelers.
9. Montréal–Trudeau International Airport
The Montréal–Trudeau International Airport is the only international gateway serving Montréal and is named after Canada's 15th prime minister, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who is also the father of incumbent Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
10. Federico Fellini International Airport
The Italian airport is located in Miramare, southeast of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Federico Fellini's hometown Rimini, Italy.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Fellini's most iconic films include La Dolce Vita, 8½, Nights of Cabiria, and La Strada.