Just two days after the passing of legendary musician Ozzy Osbourne on July 22, a petition emerged to rename Birmingham International Airport in his honor, proposing the new name Ozzy Osbourne International Airport. The petition has garnered nearly 77,000 signatures, but unfortunately, the airport will not undergo a name change.
Birmingham International Airport CEO Nick Barton explained in an interview with BBC Radio WM that the airport’s name is crucial for its future development and cannot be changed, citing the many influential individuals from Birmingham, including Charles Darwin, Robert Plant, and Sir Lenny Henry.
“The answer is no,” stated Barton. “Birmingham has an extraordinary list of influential people, and changing the airport’s name would hinder its growth, which we plan to achieve by building on its current name.” 
Barton also mentioned that the airport will pay tribute to Ozzy with a mural, recognizing him and other notable figures from the area.
The petition to rename the airport was initiated by Dan Hudson, co-host of the A Gay And A Nongay podcast and a devoted metal fan. Hudson’s goal is to honor Osbourne‘s enduring legacy and his deep connection to Birmingham, where he grew up and co-founded Black Sabbath.
“Ozzy Osbourne is the most important musician to emerge from Birmingham, rising to fame as the lead vocalist of Black Sabbath, the pioneering heavy metal band,” wrote Hudson. “Ozzy‘s impact on music and culture is undeniable, and naming the airport after him would be a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and contributions to the arts.
“Other UK airports are named after notable individuals, such as George Best International Airport in Belfast and John Lennon Airport in Liverpool. It’s only fitting that we do the same in Birmingham to honor Ozzy. By doing so, we can celebrate Ozzy Osbourne‘s legacy and the significant influence our city has had on the world stage, thanks to him.”
