Milan's main airport now bears Berlusconi's name
Milan's main airport now officially carries Silvio Berlusconi's name. The city's mayor stayed away from the ceremony.
Italy's civil aviation authority, ENAC, approved the name in July 2024, with the backing of infrastructure minister Matteo Salvini.
The City of Milan and the nearby towns of Cardano al Campo, Samarate and Somma Lombardo challenged the decision. In April 2026, the Lombardy administrative court rejected their challenges. It said the naming was mainly symbolic and honorific, and that airports are state infrastructure rather than local street names.
At the plaque ceremony on 25 September, Salvini expressed regret over the absences. Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala sent no representative. Sala said he had fought the decision and would not attend with a fake smile.
Berlusconi led four Italian governments across three periods between 1994 and 2011. He founded Forza Italia, built a media business and died in 2023.
Should airports carry the names of politicians?
The voice in this reel is AI-generated. Script and checks by The Italy Desk.
TAR Lombardia judgment 1874/2026; ENAC statements of 11 November 2024, 23 April 2026 and 26 April 2026; ENAC event record and ANSA, 25 September 2026; Camera dei deputati; Senato della Repubblica.
