The Union government is likely to approve the Karnataka's proposal to name the Bengaluru international airport after the city’s founder Kempegowda. The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has also sent the proposal to the Union government. The issue is likely to be taken up by the Cabinet shortly, official sources said in Delhi. The private—led consortium run airport is likely to be renamed as Bengaluru Nadaprabhu Kempegowda International Airport whose 503rd birth anniversary was observed in April.
The Civil Aviation Ministry had last year approved the proposal of the State government following efforts by then External Affairs Minister SM Krishna. Serious differences had emerged among various organisations over naming of this airport with demands for names like Tipu Sultan (who was born in Devanahalli where the airport is situated), social reformer Basaveshwara and former Mysore Dewan Sir M Visvesvaraya, also being raised.