Name change coming for Louisville International Airport
A name change is on the horizon for Louisville International Airport.
The Louisville Regional Airport Authority board passed a motion Wednesday afternoon to rename the airport the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
"Louisville should champion Muhammad Ali’s legacy, and renaming Louisville International Airport in his honor is a wonderful first step," Mayor Greg Fischer said.
The airport’s three-letter International Air Transport Association (IATA) Location Identifier -- SDF -- will not change.
"This tells the world how proud we are to associate ‘The Greatest’ with not only our great city, but our great airport," said Jim Welch, chair of the Airport Authority Board.
"I am happy that visitors from far and wide who travel to Louisville will have another touch point to Muhammad and be reminded of his open and inclusive nature, which is reflective of our city," widow Lonnie Ali said. "Muhammad was a global citizen, but he never forgot the city that gave him his start. It is a fitting testament to his legacy."
In the discussion to rename the airport, the board said Muhammad Ali had a greater name recognition than Louisville.
Louisville Tourism said the city can reap economic benefits by boosting Ali-related tourism, like it has done with Bourbonism, as a global tourist experience.
The Airport Authority Board also authorized an agreement with Muhammad Ali Enterprises, LLC for use of Ali’s name.