Bulgarian Sofia Airport has been officially renamed “Vasil Levski Airport” after President Rumen Radev signed a decree on 17 February 2025. The name change honours Vasil Levski, one of Bulgaria’s most revered national heroes. He is often called the “Apostle of Freedom” for his role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence.
Despite the renaming, the airport’s IATA code (SOF) will remain unchanged, and the new name will be formally entered into national registers in the coming months. A new permanent sign reflecting the change will be installed at Terminal 2later this year. The airport’s official website and international aviation databases are also expected to update the name accordingly.
Chronology
The idea of renaming the airport was first proposed in 2009 by a Bulgarian journalist. However, for years, Bulgarian authorities took no concrete action to implement the change. Other names, including Zhelyu Zhelev, Bulgaria’s first democratically elected president, were considered, but no final decision was made.
In December 2024, the Minister of Transport and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences formally prepared a renaming proposal. The academy supported the change, stating that research confirmed Levski as a historical figure deeply respected by the majority of Bulgarians.
Official Renaming Ceremony
On 19 February 2025, a special official renaming ceremony was held to commemorate the change. The event was opened by Jesus Caballero, the 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 said during the ceremony.
Among the distinguished guests were high-ranking government officials, including the Minister of Transport, Grozdan Karadzhov, as well as historians and cultural figures. Their presence emphasised the historical importance of the renaming.
From “Vrazhdebna Airport” to “Vasil Levski Airport”
Until 17 February 2025, the airport was officially known as Vrazhdebna Airport, named after a nearby suburb of Sofia. However, the name “Vrazhdebna”, which translates to “Hostile”, was considered by many to be an unsuitable title for Bulgaria’s busiest international gateway.
The choice of Vasil Levski as the new name carries deep historical and emotional significance for Bulgarians. Levski’s revolutionary ideas and tireless fight for national liberation in the 19th century helped lay the groundwork for Bulgaria’s independence from Ottoman rule. Though he was captured and executed in 1873, his ideals of freedom, equality, and justice continue to inspire generations of Bulgarians.
The name “Vasil Levski” has already been prominently displayed throughout the airport, reinforcing his cultural significance and ensuring his legacy remains visible to both locals and international visitors.
The airport, which serves as Bulgaria’s main international gateway, 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 just a tribute to the past, but a reminder of Bulgaria’s ongoing commitment to the values of freedom and unity.
