The Palm Beach International Airport was officially renamed the President Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, becoming the latest location to bear the former president's name. The Florida airport announced the change on social media, with staff working to update physical signage, terminal spaces, and digital channels.
Eric Trump, the former president's son, stated that his father's plane was the first to land at the newly branded airport. He expressed pride in seeing the initials "DJT" on boarding passes, calling his father "the person who has done more for Florida and our country."
Renaming Process
In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill into law to rename the airport after Trump, following the state legislature's passage of the bill. The Trump Organization had previously filed trademark applications for potential airport names.
The airport's proximity to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate makes it a frequent travel hub for him. While numerous airports across the country are named after U.S. presidents, such as New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, this rebranding marks the first time a sitting president has had an airport named in their honor.
Operational and Financial Impact
The renaming officially took effect on Thursday, though the airport has indicated that transition activities, including signage and branding updates, will occur in phases. Airport operations and services are expected to continue without interruption, with no impact on flight routes or schedules. This is described as a branding change only, with no alterations to the airport's ownership or governance.
The three-letter identifier for airline and traveler reference, previously "PBI," will change to "DJT" on August 18. Until then, travelers should continue to use "PBI." As of Thursday afternoon, some airline booking sites recognized both codes, while others only recognized the original identifier.
The total cost for the rebranding is estimated at approximately $5.5 million, covering updates to signage, branding, and printed materials. The state has allocated $2.75 million, with the remaining funds coming from the Department of Airports' operating budget and capital improvement program. The airport has stated that the rebranding does not result in a separate fee charged to passengers.