Some thoughts on the IATA code...
A U.S. airport can have a different IATA code from its FAA LID. There
are a bunch like that currently, but not usually for major airports.
When the former Panama City Airport closed in 2010, its IATA was PFN.
The new airport IATA was given ECP, so sometimes the IATA code does not
move. But when the new Denver airport opened in 1995, all the codes
from the former site moved to the new location (KDEN/DEN/DEN). Big
airport moves/changes like this in the U.S. are rare, but in both cases
here,
the IATA and FAA codes were made the same. However, these were
physical location changes. This is not the case for Palm Beach
International.
On Sat, May 16, 2026 at 10:37 PM Boris A. Konon <trwplusa@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> Normally I'd wait until such a change is in effect, but given this is a
> large
> international airport, early notice is of value.
>
> Palm Beach International Airport will change its ICAO and FAA codes on
> July 9, 2026.
>
> *KPBI > KDJT (ICAO)*
> *PBI > DJT (FAA LID)*
>
> So this will impact METAR/TAF/NOTAM/PIREP and more.
>
> Federal Register
>
> https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/05/14/2026-09656/amendment-of-class-c-airspace-and-class-e-airspace-palm-beach-international-airport-west-palm-beach
>
> Attached is the NFDD #91 from 5/12/2026 and an excerpt from it that
> listed this change.
>
> As for the site's IATA code, it is not clear at this time if it will
> change. If you
> do a Google Search "DJT IATA", the AI return states this is the new code,
> but
> seems to conflate it w/ the FAA LID change.
>
> From previous airport code changes worldwide, typically the IATA does
> not change even if it is a new airport replacing a former and not at the
> same
> location. They just transfer the IATA to the new location. One reason
> this is
> done is b/c there are only so many 3-letter codes available (26x25x24 if I
> get
> my factorial right) and IATA codes are used for more than just airport
> locations worldwide.
>
> That being said, "DJT" as an IATA code is not currently in use as far as
> I can tell.
>
> Boris
>
>