Florida's Palm Beach airport renamed after President Donald Trump

A South Florida airport officially changed its name on Thursday to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport, marking the first time a U.S. airport has been renamed for a sitting president Source: AP News. The facility, formerly Palm Beach International Airport, is located near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

The renaming

The FAA changed the airport's locational identifier from PBI to DJT effective Thursday, though passengers should continue using PBI for bookings until August 18, when the IATA code changes Source: Fox Business. "Trump Force One," a Boeing 757 owned by The Trump Organization, was the first plane to land under the new name, carrying Eric Trump Source: Euronews. A stretch of road from the airport to Mar-a-Lago was already renamed Donald J. Trump Boulevard earlier this year.

Reactions

Reactions have been mixed. Eric Trump said, "There is no person who has done more for Florida and our country" Source: AP News. However, some travelers criticized the move. One traveler told MS NOW, "I think it's patently absurd that we're spending taxpayer money to rename an airport after a criminal" Source: Ground News. Another passenger said he didn't think Trump deserves the honor but added, "At the end of the day, it's just the name of an airport" Source: AP News. The renaming is also subject to two local lawsuits Source: NPR.

Cost and transition

The name change is expected to cost up to $5.5 million for new signs and branding, funded through airport revenues rather than local property taxes Source: AP News, Fox Business. Airport officials emphasized the change is "branding only" and does not affect ownership or operations Source: Fox Business. The transition will occur in phases over several weeks.