Memphis Airport Authority Approves Renaming After FedEx Founder

The Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority has unanimously approved a resolution to rename Memphis International Airport in honor of FedEx founder Frederick W. Smith, who passed away on June 21, 2025, at age 80. Smith, regarded as a transformative figure for Memphis, founded FedEx in 1973 and helped establish the city as a global logistics hub, with FedEx being its largest employer. The renaming process, which will require regulatory and operational steps involving entities like the FAA and IATA, is expected to take several months. Both current and former city leaders support the change, acknowledging Smith's unparalleled impact on the airport and the community. While the exact new name is still being determined, officials plan to incorporate tributes such as a possible statue to honor Smith's legacy. Updates on the renaming process and official name selection will be announced in the coming months.