The Florida Senate mandated the name change with a bill that passed in late February with a 25–11 vote.
Palm Beach International Airport in South Florida officially adopted its new name, President Donald J. Trump International Airport, on July 9, months after the governor signed the name change into law.
“EFFECTIVE TODAY: Palm Beach International Airport’s three-letter location identifier has changed from PBI to DJT following the airport’s official renaming to Donald J. Trump International Airport,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a statement posted to X.
“FAA systems and publications reflect the new identifier. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation stakeholders should use DJT for flight planning and operations,” the agency added.
Hours prior, the airport had also announced the name change on its rebranded X account.
“We are officially in transition mode! We’re working behind the scenes to update our physical signage, terminal spaces, and digital channels to our new name: President Donald J. Trump International Airport,” the airport said, telling travelers to visit the airport’s website to stay up to date with the changes.
The Florida Senate mandated the name change with SB 706, which passed in late February with a 25–11 vote. Republican state Sen. Debbie Mayfield sponsored the bill.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed the bill into law on March 30. The legislation made the renaming effective July 1, but the FAA did not issue final approval until Thursday.
The airport is roughly 5 miles from Trump’s primary residence, his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.
The renaming of the airport was met with some public backlash.
State Rep. Lois Frankel, a Democrat, released a statement the same day the state Senate approved SB 706, condemning the name change.
“It’s misguided and unfair that the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature ignored the voices of Palm Beach County by pushing forward a bill to rename Palm Beach International Airport without giving County residents a real opportunity for input,” Frankel wrote.
“Decisions about naming major infrastructure should wait until after an honoree’s service has concluded—and should include meaningful input from the local residents and communities most directly affected,” she added.
By Jacob Burg
