FAA begins DJT transition as Trump’s airport redesign takes effect

The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday began transitioning Palm Beach International Airport to its new facility Donald J. Trump International Airport, changing the airport’s FAA geographic identifier from PBI to DJT as the renaming officially takes effect.

The name change was required under the law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida on March 30, who renamed the airport and directed Palm Beach County to obtain the necessary federal permits and begin implementing the change.

As of Thursday, the FAA area code is DJT, while the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code for the airport is KDJT. Those identifiers are used by pilots, air traffic controllers and flight systems for flight planning, navigation and other operational purposes.

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The codes passengers see on airline tickets, luggage tags and travel websites are different.

While the FAA’s performance index has changed rapidly, the transition will occur in phases.

According to the airport, travelers should continue to use PBI when searching for flights, booking flights and checking baggage until Aug. 18, where the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is scheduled to apply a commercial code modification to the DJT. Airport officials said the change was initiated by IATA at the request of many airlines serving the airport.

Officials said the phased rollout is designed to ensure smooth travel as airlines, reservation systems and airport partners update their platforms. Flights, flight schedules and airport services will continue to operate normally throughout this transition.

Eric Trump, left, chats with Rep. District Meg Weinberger with Bettina Anderson and Donald Trump Jr., celebrate the renaming of Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect / Reuters Images)

Airport officials reiterated that the rebranding does not affect the airport’s ownership or governance. Palm Beach County will continue to oversee the airport’s operations, finances and strategic decisions, describing the transition as a change in signage rather than operations.

Motorists have begun to recognize the new name. Florida Department of Transportation highway signs directing travelers to the airport have been updated, while airport officials say on-site signs and signage will be replaced in phases over time.

The airport also said local property tax would not fund the change. Instead, the cost will be paid for by airport revenue or other sources of airport funding, with the possibility of additional federal funding.

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One of the first high-profile arrivals following the change was expected to be Eric Trump, whose plane, Trump Force One, was scheduled to land shortly after the new FAA identifier went into effect. Before the flight, Eric Trump celebrated the milestone on social media.

The new Interstate 95 exit signs are replaced at Donald J. Trump International Airport, July 2, 2026 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect / Reuters Images)

“I am honored that at 5:01 am, Trump Force One will be the first plane to arrive at Palm Beach International Airport – now and forever President Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT),” he wrote. “No one has done more for Florida and our country, and no one is more deserving of this incredible honor.”

Eric Trump, who said he flies through the airport “almost every day,” added that he “will forever be proud to see the initials “DJT” on my boarding pass.

“Congratulations Dad — I’m glad I played a big part in making this happen,” he wrote.

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Airport officials said they will continue to provide updates through the airport’s website and social media channels as other signs, signals and passenger-facing systems are updated in the coming weeks.