The proposed airport at Mamnoor in Warangal has sparked a lively debate on social media over what it should be named, even before construction work is completed. The discussion gained momentum after Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy took to X (formerly Twitter) to invite suggestions from the public for naming the upcoming airport. The appeal has drawn responses from politicians, film industry personalities, and ordinary citizens, all eager to see the airport reflect the region’s rich cultural and historical legacy.
Among the prominent voices in the naming debate is Warangal-born filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for directing blockbuster films including ‘Arjun Reddy’, ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Animal’. He proposed either Rudrama International Airport (RIA) or Kakatiya International Airport (KIA) to honour the region’s glorious Kakatiya heritage. Director Srikanth Odela, who helmed the film ‘Dasara’, suggested Sammakka-Saralamma International Airport, while producer-actor Bandla Ganesh favoured Rani Rudrama Devi International Airport, Warangal. Leading Tollywood star Vijay Devarakonda also weighed in, stating that power places need powerful names from that land, advocating for either Rudrama Devi International Airport or Kakatiya International Airport.
Political leaders have also entered the naming discussion with their own preferences. CPI national secretary K Narayana suggested that the airport be named after former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, a proposal backed by former minister from Warangal, Ponnala Lakshmaiah. Lakshmaiah pointed out that the airport had been used by PV during his visits to the region, making it a fitting tribute to the late leader who hailed from Telangana.
The suggestions flooding social media platforms reveal a clear preference for names that celebrate Warangal’s historical significance. The names Kakatiya, Rani Rudrama Devi and Sammakka-Saralamma appear to be emerging as front-runners in the public discourse. One X user, Venkat VD, expressed enthusiasm for Kakatiya International Airport, imagining how it would sound when a pilot announces approaching the land of the Kakatiyas. Other netizens like Sagar KV proposed names such as Hajare Mangamma Airport and Chakali Ilamma Airport, arguing that Warangal’s history of resistance and social movements deserves recognition.
The naming exercise has brought together diverse sections of society, all united in their desire to see the airport reflect the region’s cultural identity. While the runway is yet to take shape at the proposed Mamnoor site, the passionate debate over its name demonstrates the deep connection residents feel toward their heritage. The final decision on the airport’s name will rest with the state government, which will consider the various suggestions before making an official announcement.
