WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach International Airport is getting a new name — and soon, new flight codes — following action by Florida’s governor and state legislature earlier this year.
On March 30, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation renaming the airport the “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The law preempts local authority over naming major commercial service airports in Florida and requires Palm Beach County to pursue all necessary approvals to implement the change.
Recommended Videos
Name change is a legal requirement, not a county decision
The airport’s owner and operator, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, did not independently choose the new name. State law mandated the change and required the county to comply.
Because the new airport name is subject to trademark protection, Palm Beach County entered into a Naming Rights and License Agreement on May 5, 2026. The agreement outlines the roles and responsibilities of both parties, ensures compliance with state law and protects the county from potential legal claims, including trademark infringement.
What changes — and what doesn’t
The name change does not affect who owns or operates the airport. Palm Beach County will continue to oversee all policies, finances and strategic decisions. Airline routes, schedules and customer services will also remain unaffected.
“The name change does not alter ownership, governance, legal status or operational control of the airport,” according to the airport’s FAQ. Airport officials say the transition is a branding change only, and that operations and services will continue without interruption.
Timeline: When does the new name take effect?
The name change officially becomes effective July 9, 2026, pending final FAA approval. Transition activities — including updates to signage, branding and public-facing materials — will roll out in phases.
Flight codes are changing, too
Along with the name, the airport’s aviation identifiers are set to change. The FAA locational identifier (LID) will change from PBI to DJT, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) identifier will change from KPBI to KDJT, both effective July 9, 2026.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code — the three-letter code most travelers see when booking flights — will change from PBI to DJT effective Aug. 18, 2026. That change was initiated by IATA at the request of several airlines operating at the airport.
What code should passengers use when booking flights?
Until Aug. 18, 2026, travelers booking flights, checking baggage or viewing airline schedules should continue searching using the code “PBI.” After that date, passengers should use the new code “DJT.”
The IATA code is the identifier used by airlines, travel websites and passenger-facing systems. The FAA and ICAO codes are used primarily by pilots, air traffic controllers and aviation operations for navigation and flight planning — not by general passengers.
Who’s paying for the transition?
Property taxes will not be used to fund the name change. The transition will be covered by airport revenues or other airport funding sources. A state funding appropriation may also be provided to support the transition.
Will the new name bring new money to the airport?
The airport says the name change itself does not create or guarantee new funding opportunities, though officials acknowledge that higher political visibility could support advocacy for discretionary infrastructure funding.
“President Trump has publicly expressed support for continued improvements and modernization,” the airport noted, adding that no new funding has been formally announced. The airport says it remains committed to pursuing all available funding to support long-term growth, safety and passenger experience.
A message for concerned travelers
Airport officials acknowledged that the name change may not be welcomed by all passengers.
“While we recognize that the required name change may be received in different ways by our passengers, we’re grateful for your continued support through this transition period,” airport officials said. “The people, service and convenience travelers have come to know and expect will continue to be at the heart of what we do.”
Stay informed
Travelers can find the latest updates on the airport’s official website and social media channels. The airport says it will continue to keep airlines, partners and the public informed throughout the transition.