A major airport in South Florida has officially been renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport following legislation approved earlier this year. The change took effect Thursday, with new signage beginning to replace the former Palm Beach International Airport branding. Airport officials say the transition will continue over the coming weeks.
Rename
The airport formerly known as Palm Beach International Airport officially adopted its new name, President Donald J. Trump International Airport, on Thursday.
According to airport officials, travelers will temporarily see both the old and new branding throughout the terminal while the transition is completed.
“Because an entire airport transformation doesn’t happen overnight, you’ll notice a combination of both our classic look and our new brand elements coexisting while traveling through the terminal over the next several weeks,” the airport said in a Facebook post.
Arrival
The first aircraft to arrive under the airport’s new name was “Trump Force One,” a Boeing 757 owned by The Trump Organization.
The aircraft landed shortly after 5 a.m.
Among those on board was Eric Trump, who said the Trump family frequently uses the airport when traveling to President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in nearby Palm Beach.
Reaction
Eric Trump welcomed the name change in a post on X.
“There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor,” he wrote.
He also noted that he frequently flies through the airport and said he was proud that the airport’s future code would reflect his father’s initials.
Changes
Although the airport’s new name is already in effect, its three-letter airport code will remain PBI until Aug. 18.
Beginning on that date, the airport code will change to DJT.
Officials estimate the overall rebranding project, including signage and other updates, will cost up to $5.5 million.
Approval
The name change became possible after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation approving the measure earlier this year.
Earlier in the year, a roadway connecting the airport to Mar-a-Lago was also renamed Donald J. Trump Boulevard.
Response
Travelers expressed mixed reactions to the change.
Keegan Collett, who was departing for Cincinnati, said he was surprised to see the airport’s new name.
While he said he does not believe Trump deserves to have an airport named after him, he added that the issue was not especially important.
“At the end of the day, it’s just the name of an airport,” Collett said. “There’s bigger things. I feel like it’s just more of a distraction. Why even worry about it?”
Tennessee
The airport renaming coincided with another ceremony honoring President Trump.
In Dandridge, Tennessee, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty, and Rep. Tim Burchett attended an event renaming the Interstate 40 bridge in East Tennessee as the Donald J. Trump Bridge.
Speaking before the ceremony, Bessent said Trump was deserving of the recognition.
According to election results, Trump received 82% of the vote in Jefferson County, where Dandridge is located, during the 2024 general election.
FAQs
What is the airport’s new name?
President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
When will the airport code change?
The code changes to DJT on Aug. 18.
What is the current airport code?
It remains PBI until Aug. 18.
Who approved the name change?
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation.
How much will the rebranding cost?
Up to $5.5 million.
