Sofia Airport Officially Renamed to Honor Bulgarian Hero Vasil Levski
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Loading... - Ahmad Salah
- 05 Mar 2025
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Sofia Airport has been officially renamed “Vasil Levski Airport” following a decree signed by President Rumen Radev on February 17, 2025. This change honors Vasil Levski, one of Bulgaria’s most revered national heroes, known as the “Apostle of Freedom” for his pivotal role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence.
While the airport’s IATA code (SOF) will remain unchanged, the new name will be formally entered into national registers in the coming months. A permanent sign reflecting the change will be installed at Terminal 2 later this year, and updates to the airport’s official website and international aviation databases are also expected.
A Long-Awaited Change
The idea to rename the airport was first proposed in 2009 by a Bulgarian journalist, but for years, no concrete action was taken by authorities. Other names, including that of Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgaria’s first democratically elected president, were considered, but no final decision was reached until recently. In December 2024, the Minister of Transport and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences formally prepared a proposal for the renaming, with the academy supporting the change based on research confirming Levski’s deep respect among the Bulgarian populace.
Official Renaming Ceremony
On February 19, 2025, a special ceremony was held to commemorate the renaming of the airport. The event was opened by Jesus Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect, the concessionaire company managing the airport. “The naming is not only a tribute to the past, but also a look into the future,” Caballero stated during the ceremony. The event was attended by high-ranking government officials, including Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadzhov, as well as historians and cultural figures, underscoring the historical significance of the renaming.
From “Vrazhdebna Airport” to “Vasil Levski Airport”
Prior to February 17, 2025, the airport was known as Vrazhdebna Airport, named after a nearby suburb of Sofia. However, the name “Vrazhdebna,” which translates to “Hostile,” was deemed unsuitable for Bulgaria’s busiest international gateway. The choice of Vasil Levski as the new name carries profound historical and emotional significance for Bulgarians. Levski’s revolutionary ideas and relentless fight for national liberation in the 19th century laid the groundwork for Bulgaria’s independence from Ottoman rule. Captured and executed in 1873, his ideals of freedom, equality, and justice continue to resonate with the Bulgarian people.
The name “Vasil Levski” is already prominently displayed throughout the airport, reinforcing his cultural significance and ensuring that his legacy remains visible to both locals and international visitors.
A Symbol of National Identity
As Bulgaria’s main international gateway, the airport now carries the name of a man whose vision and sacrifice helped shape the country’s modern identity. The decision to rename it is not merely a tribute to the past; it serves as a reminder of Bulgaria’s ongoing commitment to the values of freedom and unity. The renaming of Sofia Airport to Vasil Levski Airport marks a significant step in honoring the nation’s history and cultural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of one of Bulgaria’s greatest heroes will continue to inspire future generations.
