The decision to bestow the historical name “Stalingrad” upon Volgograd International Airport is a logical step in the context of preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War (World War II). The initiative came from veterans of the Volgograd region, who appealed to Governor Andrei Bocharov with a request to reinstate the name the airport operated under in the mid-20th century. The Governor supported their appeal and forwarded the proposal to President Vladimir Putin.
Volgograd Airport, located on the site of Gumrak Airfield, has deep historical roots. Its history began in the 1930s when the Stalingrad Aviation Detachment was established near Voroponovo Railway Station. From 1936 onwards, the airport served cargo and passenger flights, but it was almost completely destroyed during the war. After the victory at Stalingrad, the city was rapidly rebuilt, and the old airport could no longer cope with the volume of traffic. In 1952, it was relocated to Gumrak Airfield, where it was named “Stalingrad (Gumrak)”. This name was retained until 1961, when the city was renamed Volgograd.
The idea of restoring the airport’s historical name is not new. Veterans and public figures have raised this issue on numerous occasions, arguing for the importance of preserving the memory of the heroic past. Their initiative resonated at the highest level.
On 29 April 2025, President Vladimir Putin signed a decree emphasising that this decision aims to perpetuate the heroism of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. It is clarified that the new name does not alter the official designation of the geographical feature – the airport remains “Volgograd” in official documents.
On 30 April, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed an order that enshrined this decision at the government level. The airport is now officially named: “Stalingrad International Airport”. This is not only a tribute to history but also a symbolic gesture that underscores the connection between generations.
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