Donald Trump's name takes flight as Florida renames Palm Beach airport

Palm Beach Airport in Florida has officially been renamed President Donald J Trump Airport, marking another landmark bearing the US president's name during his second term in office.

The name change took effect on July 9 after receiving final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following a Florida law passed in March and signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis on March 30.

While the airport's official name has changed, authorities said operations will continue without interruption. According to an FAQ published by the airport, updates to signage, branding and public-facing information will be implemented in phases. Passengers are advised to continue using the airport's existing Air Transport Association (IATA) code, PBI, when booking flights and checking baggage until August 18, when it will officially change to DJT.

The airport, which served as Palm Beach Airport for more than five decades, is among the latest public landmarks to be named after Trump. According to a USA Today report, the renaming follows another decision by Florida authorities in September 2025 to donate a 2.63-acre property in downtown Miami for the construction of Trump's presidential library. Earlier this year, a four-mile stretch of road connecting Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate to the airport was also renamed in his honour.

DONALD TRUMP'S AIRCRAFT FIRST TO LAND AFTER RENAMING

Eric Trump, executive vice president of the Trump Organization, said on social media that President Donald Trump's aircraft became the first plane to land at the newly renamed airport shortly after the change took effect.

"There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country, and no one more deserving of this incredible honor," Eric Trump wrote, adding that he was proud to see the initials "DJT" associated with the airport.

The airport serves more than eight million passengers annually and is located just a few miles from Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club and residence in Palm Beach. Trump declared Palm Beach his permanent residence in 2019 and has frequently travelled between the White House and Florida since then.

The renaming has also attracted attention because the Trump administration reportedly moved to trademark the phrase "Donald J. Trump Airport" and the identifier "DJT" shortly after the Florida legislation was passed. As a result, Palm Beach County entered into a licensing agreement to use the legally mandated airport name, a move that generated public discussion.

TRANSITION IS ONLY A BRANDING CHANGE

Airport officials emphasised that the transition represents a branding change only and will not affect airport ownership, management or day-to-day operations.

"While we recognize that the required name change may be received in different ways by our passengers, we're grateful for your continued support through this transition period," the airport said in a statement, adding that its priority remains providing a safe, reliable and welcoming travel experience.

The airport's renaming adds to the long list of businesses, products and properties that carry Trump's name, reflecting a branding strategy that has been central to his business empire for decades.

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With inputs from Rohit Sharma