Bulgaria Honors Its Heritage: Sofia Airport Renamed After Freedom Hero

Sofia Airport Officially Renamed Vasil Levski International Airport of Sofia.

SOF Connect, in collaboration with the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications, held a special ceremony today (Wednesday) to mark the official renaming of Sofia Airport to Vasil Levski International Airport of Sofia.

The event took place in front of Terminal 2, where the new airport name was prominently unveiled on the building’s facade.

The ceremony was opened by the CEO of SOF Connect, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Vasil Levski, known as the "Apostle of Freedom". Levski, a Bulgarian revolutionary, led the resistance against the Ottoman Empire and remains a national symbol of Bulgaria’s fight for independence.

Speakers at the event emphasized that renaming the airport is a significant tribute to Levski’s legacy. Government officials and academic representatives highlighted that this decision is not only a historical commemoration but also a reaffirmation of national pride.

Photo: Vasil Levski Sofia Airport

Among the distinguished guests were Grozdan Karadjov, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications of Bulgaria; Apik Garabedian, Deputy Chairman of the Association of Bulgarian Airlines; Acad. Julian Revalski, President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (2016-2024); and Tsveta Timeva, Secretary to the President of Bulgaria. 

Other attendees included representatives from state institutions, the aviation sector, and the academic community.

The name change follows a presidential decree signed on February 17 by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, officially renaming the airport "Vasil Levski International Airport of Sofia". The announcement was accompanied by acknowledgments of Levski’s profound role in Bulgarian history and his lasting contribution to the nation's identity.

The new airport name will be fully integrated into the terminal building’s signage in the coming months, serving as a powerful symbol of Bulgaria’s commitment to preserving its national heritage.

The country's authorities also plan additional activities to commemorate Levski's memory, including educational events, exhibitions, and cultural displays to be integrated into the airport itself.

Thus, the airport is expected to become not only a major entry point to Bulgaria but also a historic landmark that will help instill Levski's heritage for future generations.