Manassas City Council Approves Renaming of Local Airport

In a unanimous vote on Monday night, the Manassas City Council approved the renaming of Manassas Regional Airport to Washington Manassas Airport as its commercial and ticketing name. The decision follows a lengthy rebranding effort that has received support from airport stakeholders but has also been met with mixed reactions from some residents.

The Resolution R-2026-881, presented by Jolene Berry on behalf of Airport Director Juan Rivera and the Airport Commission, was adopted with a 7-0 vote. It was noted that the airfield will continue to be known as Harry P. Davis Field and the airport code HEF will remain unchanged. The estimated cost of the name change is $100,000, which will be funded entirely from the airport enterprise fund. This means that there will be no impact on the city’s general fund or taxpayers.

The decision to rename the airport was driven by a desire to better align the facility with both the community and the broader aviation sector. This is especially important as the airport prepares for upcoming commercial passenger service following a major redevelopment. The council members also discussed the marketing and economic considerations of the name change. Councilwoman Teresa Ellis drew attention to the fact that airports in the Orlando area, even those an hour or more away, still incorporate “Orlando” in their names because that is how travelers search for flights. She emphasized the importance of positioning the airport for long-term success, especially after significant investments have been made.

Councilman Tom Osina pointed out that the airport has undergone name changes in the past as part of efforts to reposition and support growth. He described the proposed change as consistent with that history. The council members also addressed the challenge of regional identity, with supporters arguing that terms like “NOVA” or “DMV” are not widely recognized outside the immediate area. They believe that placing “Washington” first could improve visibility for potential commercial users who are unfamiliar with the local geography.

A community survey conducted ahead of the vote received 159 responses, with 42% in support and 58% opposed to the name change. Public comments during the meeting reflected this divide. Some residents, like Janet Plebniak, urged the council to prioritize Manassas amid broader budget concerns. Others, like Lynn Forkell Greene, a former councilwoman, suggested “Manassas, Washington” as an alternative that would preserve local identity. Greene also questioned the FAA’s role in the decision and referenced Stafford’s recent airport naming. Diane Lane, who identified herself as a traditionalist, spoke in favor of the change on pragmatic grounds. She cited examples such as Chicago’s ORD and Midway airports or Dallas’s DFW and Love Field, arguing that including “Washington” would help consumers and businesses find the airport more easily without erasing Manassas’s identity.

Berry, speaking for the commission, explained the rationale for putting “Washington” first.