In a major announcement, Forest Minister Ganesh Naik revealed that the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) will soon be named after the renowned leader D. B. Patil. The statement was made at a function held in Vashi on the occasion of D. B. Patil's 99th birth anniversary, organized by the Navi Mumbai Punarvasan Samajik Sanstha.

The event saw the presence of several dignitaries, including former MLA Sandeep Naik, former Mayor Sudhakar Sonawane, and former Leader of Opposition Dashrath Bhagat. While addressing the gathering, Ganesh Naik expressed confidence that the proposal to name the airport after D. B. Patil would soon be reality. He stated, "The movement for naming the airport after D. B. Patil has been taken seriously by all. We are optimistic that the necessary formalities at the state and central levels will be completed shortly, and a decision will be made in the coming months, respecting public sentiment."

Dashrath Bhagat, echoing Naik’s sentiments, spoke about D. B. Patil’s significant contribution in securing justice for victims, particularly his leadership in ensuring the implementation of various plans for the betterment of society. He emphasized that naming the airport after Patil would be a fitting tribute to his struggles and achievements.

The program also featured a series of social activities, including a photo exhibition highlighting the inspiring life of D. B. Patil, a blood donation camp, tree plantation drive, and recognition of senior citizens, dutiful women rickshaw drivers, garbage collectors, and other social contributors were honoured.