Palm Beach Airport Renamed for Trump on July 9; Code Changes to DJT in August

Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9, 2026, after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in March. The airport code will change from PBI to DJT on August 18. The renaming cost approximately $5.5 million, with signage and digital systems being updated over several weeks. Eric Trump’s private plane was the first to land at the renamed airport at 5:01 a.m., beating a UPS flight to make history.

How the renaming happened

Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation in March 2026 authorizing the rename. The law took effect on July 1, and the airport’s official rebranding began on July 9. The airport is located in West Palm Beach, just miles from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. The renaming procedure cost approximately 550 million yen (about $5.5 million), covering updated signage, terminal spaces, and digital channels.

The first aircraft and family celebration

Eric Trump and his brother Donald Trump Jr. were aboard Trump Force One, a Boeing 757 owned by the Trump Organization, which touched down at 5:01 a.m. on July 9. Eric Trump told Fox News he deliberately ensured the Trump family plane landed first, saying “There’s no way in hell I was letting UPS be the first plane to land.” He called the moment “incredibly special” and noted his father deserves the honor for his contributions to the country.

Code change timeline and passenger impact

The three-letter airport code will officially change from PBI to DJT on August 18. Until that date, passengers must still book flights using the old PBI code. After August 18, the new DJT code will appear on boarding passes, baggage tags, and airline reservation systems. Airlines including American Airlines have issued guidance to staff on the transition.

Trump’s broader naming campaign

Trump has pursued an ambitious remaking of federal and state infrastructure. His name now appears on a planned class of Navy warships, a visa program for wealthy foreigners, a government-run prescription drug website, and federal savings accounts for children. On the same day as the airport renaming, July 9, a Tennessee bridge over the French Broad River near Knoxville was also renamed President Donald J. Trump Bridge. However, courts have rejected attempts to add his name to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Final Thoughts

The Palm Beach airport renaming is now official, with the code change to DJT arriving August 18. Trump becomes the first sitting president to have an airport named after him during his term. Travelers should note the booking code remains PBI until mid-August.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.