Reagan served as the 40th president from 1981-1989 and is widely regarded as one of the most influential presidents of the 20th century. He was known for his charismatic leadership, his stance against communism, and his support of conservative policies.
The renaming of the airport was a contentious issue, however, supporters of the move argued that Reagan was a popular and highly regarded president who had made significant contributions to the country during his time in office.
The airport was officially renamed on February 6, 1998, following a bill signed into law by President Bill Clinton. The legislation mandated that the airport be renamed in honor of Reagan, who had died in 2004. The renaming ceremony was attended by members of Reagan’s family, as well as several prominent politicians, including Vice President Al Gore.
Today, Ronald Reagan National Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving millions of passengers each year. The airport is located just a few miles from Washington D.C. and is a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
References:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/ronald-reagan/
https://www.flyreagan.com/about-airport/history-reagan-national-airport