Italy Renames Olbia Airport After Prince Karim Aga Khan IV to Honor His Legacy

In a formal ceremony held at Olbia City Hall on January 15, Mayor Settimo Nizzi announced the renaming of the airport to honor Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, describing him as a visionary benefactor. The move recognizes his decades-long commitment to the region, which began in the early 1960s when the Monti di Mola area lacked basic infrastructure such as electricity and roads.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan, daughter of the late Prince, attended the event to accept the posthumous honor. She expressed gratitude to local authorities, noting her father’s deep emotional bond with Sardinia. “My father dedicated many years of his life to projects he started in Costa Smeralda,” she stated, emphasizing that his development philosophy prioritized long-term institutions and respect for the local culture, people, and natural environment over short-term economic gains.

A Visionary Transformation Under the Aga Khan’s guidance, the Costa Smeralda project introduced strict architectural standards using local materials and low-rise construction to preserve the landscape. As part of this strategy, he supported the construction of Olbia Airport and founded Alisarda airline in 1963 (later Air Italy), which was crucial for connecting Sardinia to the world.

The region has recently furthered this legacy by adopting sustainable tourism practices, including renewable energy use and marine conservation.

Legacy and Succession Prince Karim Aga Khan IV passed away in February 2025 at the age of 88, having led the Ismaili Muslim community for 67 years. He was the founder of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He was buried in Aswan, Egypt, alongside his grandfather. He was succeeded on February 11, 2025, by his eldest son, Prince Rahim al-Husayni, who has pledged to continue his father’s humanitarian work.