Palm Beach International Airport to become Trump International Airport from July

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is set to be renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport this summer, with federal aviation systems scheduled to reflect the change starting July 9, 2026.

The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that the airport’s International Civil Aviation Organization code will change from ‘PBI’ to ‘DJT’ on that date. The identifier is used by pilots and air traffic controllers for flight planning and operations and will begin appearing in FAA publications and aeronautical charts.

How the renaming came about

The change follows legislation signed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 30, 2026, which transferred naming authority for major commercial service airports in Florida to the state. Under the law, which takes effect July 1, 2026, the airport will be officially renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT).

IT’S OFFICIAL: The new logo has been released to rename Palm Beach airport to President DONALD J. TRUMP International Airport in FloridaThe renaming comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis authorized it by signing a new law ERIC TRUMP: “Looking forward to seeing flights landing at… pic.twitter.com/BCx22irJn6— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) May 5, 2026 On May 5, 2026, Palm Beach County commissioners voted 4-3 to approve the renaming. The board also approved a naming rights and licensing agreement with a company affiliated with the Trump Organization, allowing the county to use the new name across signage, advertising, marketing and branding without paying royalties.

What it means for travelers and pilots

For passengers, the transition is not expected to have any noticeable impact. Airport operations, ownership and governance by Palm Beach County remain unchanged.

Airport officials said that the ICAO code update is being coordinated through standard FAA procedures to maintain safety and continuity. Technical updates are already underway to ensure systems used by airlines, pilots and air traffic controllers reflect the change accurately.

According to Laura Beebe, Director of Airport at PBI, the goal is to keep things familiar for passengers throughout the transition.

“Our team will be working behind the scenes to implement the required updates, and travelers will continue to enjoy the same smooth, convenient and friendly experience they expect,” Beebe said.

Mixed reactions

The renaming has drawn both support and criticism.

A Palm Beach County pilot filed a lawsuit in April 2026, seeking to block the change, arguing that it overrides local authority. US Rep. Lois Frankel also criticized the move, noting that airports named after presidents have traditionally been designated after they leave office and through local decision-making.

“What we are seeing is a clear overreach by the State Legislature that forced through this change without meaningful input from the people who actually live here, work here, and rely on Palm Beach International Airport every day,” Frankel said in a statement.

Supporters of the change, however, have voiced their approval and are expected to continue showing up at public meetings in favor of the new name.

Transition activities, including updates to signage, branding, and public-facing materials, are set to occur in phases. A state appropriation to support these efforts is pending.

Palm Beach County Mayor Sara Baxter has stressed that the county remains committed to providing a safe and welcoming experience for travelers.

“As the airport moves through this name change, it will continue to serve as the trusted gateway our community relies on,” Baxter said.

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The post Palm Beach International Airport to become Trump International Airport from July appeared first on AeroTime.

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