When will this South Florida airport get renamed for President Trump? See timeline

Travel admin June 19, 2026 0 Comments

When will this South Florida airport get renamed for President Trump? See timeline

President Donald Trump’s name may have been scraped off the Kennedy Center, but it’s soon going up at a South Florida airport.

Just across the causeway from Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach International Airport will be renamed for Trump in July, It’s so close to the president’s Palm Beach home that he frequently complained about the jet noise soon after he purchased the mansion in the mid-1980s.

Now, his old nemesis will carry his name. Pilots and terminal PA announcers will soon by saying: “Welcome to President Donald J. Trump International Airport.”

In March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the airport naming bill into law. Now, it’s about to take effect.

Here’s what travelers should know about the change:

When does the airport change its name to Trump?

While the law takes effect July 1, it’s subject to the Federal Aviation Administration’s approval, which is anticipated July 9.

By July 9, the airport’s name will begin updating in phases across the digital world, signs and aviation systems.

Even the “PBI” patches that airport parking attendants wear on their uniform sleeves will likely change.

So will the three-letter International Air Transport Association airport code, which is used in flight bookings and on baggage tags. PBI becomes DJT effective Aug. 18.

Why is the change happening?

The law signed by DeSantis gives the state authority to name major commercial airports. The bill passed the state House and Senate along party lines.

The law requires Palm Beach County to see through the change, including the new signs and branding, as well as obtaining the required federal approvals and managing trademark use, according to the airport.

A trademark agreement with the county gives President Trump oversight for how his name is used in the new airport branding, requires airport stores to purchase merchandise from selected retailers, and doesn’t restrict the Trump family from selling airport-branded items offsite.

What’s staying the same?

This name change to Trump International won’t affect airline operations or flight schedules. And it doesn’t affect who owns or controls the airport. It’s just about the branding.

“We remain committed to serving all passengers and ensuring a positive travel experience,” said Rebeca Krogman, manager of public information services of PBI, soon to be DJT.

“The people, service and convenience travelers have come to know and expect will continue to be at the heart of what we do,” she said. “We value every passenger who chooses to travel through our airport and remain focused on delivering a consistent, high-quality experience for all.”