Air travel is woven into the fabric of modern life. Over time, several airport names across the country have evolved to better reflect local heritage or honour notable figures. These changes also help airports carve out a unique identity on global air route maps. Here is a look at ten airports that underwent name changes and the fascinating stories behind those changes.
1. Kempegowda International Airport (Bengaluru, Karnataka)
Initially known simply as Bengaluru International Airport when it opened in 2008, this major aviation hub was renamed in 2013 after Kempe Gowda I, the 16th‑century chieftain credited with founding the city. The updated name highlights the cultural roots of the region and is widely used in flight schedules and signage today.
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
This globally recognised gateway was once called Sahar Airport. The name was changed in 1999 to honour the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, with the word Maharaj added in 2018 to further elevate the official title. This airport continues to rank among the busiest in the world.
3. Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh)
This facility, serving both domestic and international travellers, was formerly known simply as Varanasi Airport. In 2005, it was officially renamed after Lal Bahadur Shastri, the second prime minister of the country, recognising his contributions to national development.
4. Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport (Amritsar, Punjab)
Located near the historic city of Amritsar, this airport was renamed in honour of Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru and founder of the city. The updated name reflects the spiritual legacy of the region and has been adopted in airline timetables and official documents.
5. Swami Vivekananda Airport (Raipur, Chhattisgarh)
This key airport was known as Mana Airport until 2012, when it was renamed to honour Swami Vivekananda, the influential spiritual leader and thinker. The name change coincides with its growth into a busy transport hub in central parts of the country.
6. Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh)
This airport, serving the capital of Uttar Pradesh, was historically known as Amausi Airport. It was renamed to commemorate Chaudhary Charan Singh, a prominent national figure, and retains this name in official schedules and airport infrastructure.
7. Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport (Agartala, Tripura)
Formerly simply called Agartala Airport, this one was renamed after Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Debbarman in recognition of his key role in modernising the region. The name change brings attention to the royal history of the area.
8. Sri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji Airport (Adampur, Punjab)
This airport near the twin cities of Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur was recently renamed in early 2026. The updated title replaces the former generic label and spotlights the legacy of Shri Guru Ravidass Maharaj Ji, marking a fresh chapter in its service to the region.
9. Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj International Airport (Pune, Maharashtra)
The principal airport serving Pune received its current name in 2024 to honour Sant Tukaram Maharaj, a revered saint and devotional poet. The extended name is now reflected in official records and helps differentiate it from other regional airports.
10. Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (Imphal, Manipur)
This airport adopted the name Bir Tikendrajit International Airport to spotlight the legacy of Tikendrajit Singh, a key historical figure from the region. Although local usage of the former title continues informally, the updated name is increasingly used in aviation contexts.
Why Names Matter
Airport names serve more than a wayfinding function. They connect travellers with local history, culture, and iconic personalities associated with a region. Whether reflecting heritage or celebrating noteworthy individuals, these renamings deepen the sense of place for visitors and residents alike.
Airport names evolve as cities grow and identities shift. With new airports opening and proposals in process for further changes, this list is likely to expand in the years ahead.