Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The name change, along with the new airport code DJT, took effect as required by Florida state law signed earlier this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Eric Trump announced that President Trump’s plane was the first to land at the newly renamed facility at 5:01 a.m. Thursday.
I am deeply honored that at 5:01 a.m., Trump Force One will be the first plane to land at the newly renamed Palm Beach International Airport — now and forever President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT).
There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country,… pic.twitter.com/MlmYIwv2oZ
— Eric Trump (@EricTrump) July 9, 2026
The renaming stems from legislation (HB 919) signed by DeSantis on March 30, 2026. The bill preempts local control over naming major commercial service airports in Florida and specifically designates Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, effective July 1, with FAA implementation on July 9.
The airport, located roughly five miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, has long served as a frequent departure and arrival point for him. A four-mile stretch of road connecting Mar-a-Lago to the airport was previously renamed President Donald J. Trump Boulevard in January 2026.
Permanent Change
The name change is permanent under state law. Palm Beach County remains the owner and operator of the airport, with no change to ownership, operations, or governance. The transition to new signage, branding, and materials will occur in phases.
Travelers should continue using the code “PBI” for bookings and baggage until August 18, 2026, when the new code “DJT” fully takes effect for airline systems.
Airport History
The facility opened in 1936 as Morrison Field and later served military purposes during World War II. It was renamed Palm Beach International Airport in 1948 and has operated under that name for more than 75 years.
The airport handles more than 8 million passengers annually on over a dozen airlines. Officials say the rebranding is a “branding change only” and will not disrupt daily operations.
Palm Beach County entered a Naming Rights and License Agreement with the rights holders on May 5, 2026, to comply with trademark protections while safeguarding county interests.
The rebranding is estimated to cost between $2.75 million and $5.5 million, funded primarily through airport revenue and state appropriations.
Provided by Dallas Express
