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Calls to rename Birmingham Airport after rock legend Ozzy Osbourne have received a major boost, with his wife Sharon Osbourne giving her backing to the idea.
A passionate online campaign, launched by fans in Ozzy’s hometown, is calling for the airport to be officially renamed Ozzy Osbourne International Airport in tribute to the late Black Sabbath frontman. The petition has already attracted more than 70,000 signatures, reflecting the huge love and respect for the heavy metal icon.
Ozzy, who was born and raised in Aston, Birmingham, was one of the city’s most famous sons. His influence on music and culture stretched far beyond his West Midlands roots, and fans have long considered him one of Britain’s greatest rock exports.
The singer played his final live show in the city last July, marking the end of a career that spanned more than five decades. His farewell performance was emotional for both Ozzy and his devoted fans, many of whom have supported him since his Black Sabbath days in the late 1960s.
Speaking to British media, Sharon Osbourne gave her support to the airport campaign, saying she believed it would be a fitting tribute to her late husband’s incredible legacy.
“The world loved Ozzy,” Sharon said. “It’s just a dream right now, but sometimes dreams come true.”
Fans of the legendary rocker have flooded social media with their support, saying the name would not only celebrate Ozzy’s contribution to music but also recognise his impact on Birmingham’s identity. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “He put Birmingham on the map. It’s only right that the city honours him this way.”
Another commented, “Every traveller passing through Ozzy Osbourne International would be reminded of one of the greatest musical legends to come from the UK.”
The campaign’s organisers say renaming the airport would give Birmingham a global talking point and a sense of pride. They also note that other cities have honoured local icons in similar ways, such as Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport, named after The Beatles star in 2001.
A spokesperson for the petition said, “Ozzy Osbourne was more than a musician, he was a symbol of Birmingham’s creativity, grit and global influence. His music touched generations. We think it’s time to give him a tribute that will last forever.”
Ozzy Osbourne rose to fame as the lead singer of Black Sabbath, pioneering heavy metal and influencing countless bands worldwide. His solo career saw him release classics such as Crazy Train and No More Tears, earning him millions of fans and multiple awards.
Beyond his music, Ozzy became a household name thanks to his hit reality TV series The Osbournes, which ran in the early 2000s and offered fans a glimpse into his family life with Sharon and their children, Kelly and Jack.
Since his passing, tributes have poured in from across the globe, with musicians, politicians, and fans alike celebrating his impact on both music and popular culture. Sharon’s endorsement of the airport campaign has now reignited the discussion, with many believing the idea could soon gain serious traction.
As one fan wrote, “If Liverpool has John Lennon Airport, Birmingham deserves Ozzy Osbourne International.”
Whether the campaign will officially succeed remains to be seen, but with thousands of signatures and Sharon Osbourne’s heartfelt support, the dream of flying out of “Ozzy Osbourne International Airport” may one day take off for real.
