Today marks 152 years since the death of the Apostle. However, the anniversary will also be remembered for the fact that today the Sofia airport was officially renamed. It will no longer bear the name "Vrazhdebna", but "Vasil Levski".
The initiative for the change dates back nearly 15 years, and 2 years ago it was renewed by academician Julian Ralevski, former president of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. “The road to get here was long. The idea of naming the airport dates back even before 2009. This issue was raised several times very actively by various organizations,“ he recalled.
“In public circles we talk about the “Vrazhdebna“ airport, and that against the background of the fact that Bulgarians are known for our hospitality. The question has never been whether the airport should be named. Rather, the conversation was about what name to give the airport. Among the various proposals, one name stood out - that of Vasil Levski. Not only because he is the most prominent Bulgarian patriot who sacrificed himself in the fight for independence and freedom, but because Vasil Levski had the bold dream not just for Bulgaria to be a free and independent state, but for Bulgaria to be and is a member of Europe and part of the European family. His words: “It is up to us to be equal with other European nations. Our precious homeland will need worthy people to lead us on the path of prosperity, so that we will be equal to other European nations“. These words of the Apostle of Freedom also give the direction that we set as a goal today. The name of Vasil Levski on the facade of Sofia Airport is obligatory and is an appreciation to Vasil Levski and our ancestors“, said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Communications Grozdan Karadjov.
Aviation has always been a symbol of progress and limitless possibilities, and that is why we can say that the “Vasil Levski“ airport will not only be a gateway to Bulgaria, but a gateway to a modern, connected and dynamic nation.
Sofia Airport joins a number of European airports that bear the names of famous personalities – Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Kennedy in New York, Atatürk in Istanbul.
