Milan's Malpensa Airport Renamed in Honor of Silvio Berlusconi

Following his death last year, Milan's Malpensa Airport, Italy's second-busiest passenger airport, is being renamed to honor media mogul and former premier Silvio Berlusconi. Despite opposition, the transport minister confirmed the new name as Milan-Malpensa Silvio Berlusconi international airport. Berlusconi was a polarizing figure in Italian politics.

Silvio Berlusconi, a cruise-ship singer, media mogul, and three-time premier who dominated Italian politics for three decades, is getting a new act following his death last year.

Milan's Malpensa Airport, Italy's second-busiest passenger airport, is set to be renamed in honor of the billionaire businessman-turned-politician, announced Italy's transport minister on Thursday.

The civil aviation authority's approval of the renaming proposal marks a significant, albeit controversial, change. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini confirmed the new name will be Milan-Malpensa Silvio Berlusconi international airport.

The decision has not been without opposition. Milan's center-left Mayor Beppe Sala opposed the renaming, and unions proposed instead the name of La Scala's famous prima ballerina, Carla Fracci. However, Salvini, a long-time ally of Berlusconi on Italy's center-right, declared that the decision was final. "A great satisfaction for a great Italian," he stated via social media.

Milan-Malpensa's new designation aligns it with other Italian airports named for historical figures such as Rome's Leonardo da Vinci and Venice's Marco Polo airports. Berlusconi, who passed away last year at 86 from chronic leukemia, served as Italy's longest-running premier. He left behind a divisive legacy, admired by some as a statesman who placed Italy on the global stage and criticized by others for allegedly using political power for personal gain.

The airport ranks as Italy's second-busiest passenger hub, processing 26 million passengers last year, as reported by Assaeroporti, the Italian association of airport operators. Notably, Malpensa surpasses Rome in cargo transport, moving 672,000 tons last year compared to Rome's 190,000 tons.

(With inputs from agencies.)