President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed interest in having an airport named after him since his first term in the White House.
During his second, non-consecutive term, he became the first sitting US president to see that happen: On July 9, Florida’s Palm Beach International Airport officially became President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
While new signage has already gone up, the airport’s International Air Transport Association, or IATA, code — used for ticketing, baggage, and flight information displays — remained “PBI” until it changed to “DJT” on Tuesday.
In a Truth Social post on July 9, Trump said it was a “Great Honor” to have the airport renamed after him, adding that it would “soon be one of the Greatest and Most Spectacular Airports anywhere in the World!”
The Palm Beach County Department of Airports estimated that the name change will cost around $5.5 million. State funding is financing $2.75 million of the project, and the Department of Airports “will continue to pursue all available funding sources” for the remaining cost, the airport said in a statement.
When asked how the name change has affected the airport’s operations and passenger experience, a representative for President Donald J. Trump International Airport referred Business Insider to a statement on the airport’s website.
“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 statement reads. “We remain committed to serving all passengers and ensuring a positive travel experience. While some things may evolve over time, our core focus remains the same: providing a safe, reliable, and welcoming airport experience.”
Palm Beach’s travel hub isn’t the only airport undergoing changes during Trump’s presidency.
On July 29, Trump unveiled his plan for a $22.5 billion renovation at Washington Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, adding or renovating more than 5 million square feet and eliminating the airport’s “people mover” shuttles, among other upgrades.
Take a look at the newly renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport.
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