Last updated October 30, 2026 · By Seth Semilof
Palm Beach's winter season is when the island fills up: Thanksgiving and the holidays, then the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington from January to April, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show in March. Flying private there changed in 2026. Palm Beach International Airport is now President Donald J. Trump International Airport, code DJT (formerly PBI). When the president is at Mar-a-Lago, temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) can stop most private flights at DJT and close Lantana airport. This guide covers which airport to use, the FBOs, how TFRs affect your trip and how to plan around the season's busiest dates.
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PBI is now DJT: what changed
A Florida law signed on March 30, 2026, renamed Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport. According to the airport, the new name took effect July 9, 2026. The FAA identifier changed from PBI to DJT and the ICAO code from KPBI to KDJT on the same day. The passenger-facing IATA code changed from PBI to DJT on August 18, 2026. The FAA issued Notice 8900.780 on June 26, 2026, to cover the change for inspectors and operators.
The airport itself has not changed. It is still owned and run by Palm Beach County, about 3 miles west of downtown West Palm Beach and about 4 miles from Worth Avenue in a straight line. If your old itinerary, app or operator paperwork says PBI or KPBI, it is the same field.
2026–27 Palm Beach season dates to plan around
| Dates | Event | Where | Why it matters for flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving | Palm Beach and South Florida | One of the busiest travel weeks of the year; book early |
| December 2–6, 2026 (public days December 4–6) | Art Basel Miami Beach | Miami Beach Convention Center | A short hop south; many Palm Beach guests fly or drive down |
| Late December 2026 to early January 2027 | Christmas and New Year's | Palm Beach | Peak arrival and departure days for the holidays |
| January 6 – April 4, 2027 | Winter Equestrian Festival | Wellington International, Wellington | Twelve weeks of show jumping; the Rolex Finale is March 31 – April 4 |
| March 17–21, 2027 | Palm Beach International Boat Show | Flagler Drive, downtown West Palm Beach | Busy ramps at DJT and nearby airports |
| Sunday, March 28, 2027 | Easter | Palm Beach | Traditionally the tail end of the season; heavy northbound departures |
Sources: Art Basel; Wellington International 2027 WEF save-the-date; Palm Beach International Boat Show. Event dates can change; check the organizer before you book.
Which airport to fly into for Palm Beach
| Airport | Code | To Worth Avenue (straight line) | Longest runway | FBOs | During a presidential TFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| President Donald J. Trump International (formerly Palm Beach International) | DJT (KDJT) | About 4 miles | 10,001 ft | Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation, Signature Aviation (North and South) | Private flights only through TSA gateway screening |
| Boca Raton | BCT | About 23 miles | 6,276 ft | Atlantic Aviation, Signature Aviation | Outer ring: IFR flight plan and ATC contact required |
| North Palm Beach County General Aviation | F45 | About 15 miles | 4,300 ft | Signature Aviation | Outer ring: IFR flight plan and ATC contact required |
| Palm Beach County Park (Lantana) | LNA | About 8 miles | 3,489 ft | Stellar Aviation | Closed to private flights |
| Witham Field, Stuart | SUA | About 35 miles | 5,828 ft | APP Jet Center, Atlantic Aviation | Excluded from the TFR in the current NOTAM |
| Fort Lauderdale Executive | FXE | About 36 miles | 6,002 ft | Signature Aviation, Atlantic Aviation and others | Excluded from the TFR in the current NOTAM |
Sources: runway lengths and FBOs from AirNav airport records (October 2026); TFR treatment from NBAA's summary of FDC NOTAM 6/3803 (October 30 – November 1, 2026). Straight-line distances are calculated from airport coordinates; driving distances are longer. Each NOTAM is different, so the operator checks the current one before every flight.
DJT: the default choice
DJT is the closest airport to the island, with a 10,001 ft main runway, a 6,931 ft crosswind runway and four FBO terminals. It is an international airport of entry with customs, which helps for trips to and from the Bahamas or Europe. It runs a noise abatement program, and the airport's own briefing describes its noise procedures as voluntary, so expect operators to avoid late-night departures where they can. On a normal day, DJT is the easiest arrival for any size of jet.
Boca Raton (BCT): the reliable alternative
Boca Raton has a 6,276 ft runway, two full-service FBOs, Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation, and is attended around the clock. It sits about 18 nm south of DJT, outside the 10-mile inner ring of a typical presidential TFR. That makes it the first backup when DJT is restricted, and a natural choice if you are staying in Boca, Delray or Highland Beach. It is also the closest of these airports to Miami Beach for Art Basel. For more, see our Boca Raton charter guide.
North County, Stuart and Fort Lauderdale Executive
North Palm Beach County General Aviation (F45) is about 12 nm north of DJT, close to Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens. Its 4,300 ft runways suit light jets and turboprops more than large jets; the operator confirms performance. Witham Field in Stuart (SUA) and Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) are each about 30 nm from DJT. Both have runways long enough for most midsize and super-midsize jets, and the current TFR NOTAM gives them their own exclusion areas so flights can come and go normally. They are the safest bets if your dates overlap with a presidential visit and you can accept a longer drive.
Lantana (LNA)
Lantana's three runways are all under 3,500 ft, so it is mainly a piston and turboprop airport. It is about 5 nm from DJT and closes to private flights during presidential TFRs, as the Palm Beach Post has reported. We would not plan a jet trip around Lantana.
Presidential TFRs: how they affect your trip
This is the part that catches visitors out. When the president stays at Mar-a-Lago, the FAA issues a VIP TFR. In the current NOTAM, FDC 6/3803 for October 30 to November 1, 2026, NBAA describes it this way:
- Inner ring (10 nm): private flights are prohibited at DJT and Lantana while the TFR is active.
- Outer ring (10 to 30 nm): private flights may operate on an IFR flight plan and in contact with air traffic control. Palm Beach County's briefing adds that flight training, practice approaches and sightseeing flights are not allowed.
- Gateway airports: to fly a private jet into or out of DJT during the TFR, passengers and bags must be screened by TSA at a designated gateway. For this NOTAM the gateways are DJT itself, Orlando (MCO), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Washington Dulles (IAD), Teterboro (TEB) and Westchester County (HPN), and screening is offered only during set hours.
- Exclusions: 2 nm exclusion areas around Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) and Witham Field (SUA) let flights arrive and depart there without TFR restrictions.
There is also a separate, standing restriction: a 1 nm TFR over Mar-a-Lago from the surface to 2,000 ft, in effect since October 20, 2025. WPTV reported that an FAA letter extended these restrictions for another year from December 10, 2025, with special tower-assigned departure headings and changed arrival procedures at DJT. Ask your operator whether they have been renewed for the rest of the season.
What this means in practice:
- Watch weekends. Presidential visits have often been weekend trips, such as the January 31 – February 2 TFR that WPTV reported. Palm Beach County's figures show how much traffic drops: 630 operations at the airport on a normal day in March 2025, compared with 338 on a TFR day that month.
- Use a gateway. If you fly from the New York area, Teterboro and Westchester have both been gateways, so a screened departure straight into DJT is often possible. Expect a short TSA screening before boarding.
- Have a backup airport. Boca Raton is our first choice when DJT is restricted. Stuart and Fort Lauderdale Executive are the next options.
- Expect short holds. Palm Beach County's briefing mentions brief "ramp freezes" while the president arrives or departs.
TFRs are usually published only a few days ahead, and they change. Your operator checks the live NOTAM before every flight, and we will tell you if your dates are affected.
How far is Palm Beach from your home airport?
| From | To DJT | To Boca Raton (BCT) |
|---|---|---|
| New York (Teterboro, TEB) | 902 nm | 919 nm |
| Westchester (HPN) | 920 nm | 937 nm |
| Boston (BED/BOS) | 1,042 nm | 1,059 nm |
| Washington Dulles (IAD) | 748 nm | 766 nm |
| Chicago Executive (PWK) | 1,003 nm | 1,020 nm |
| Toronto Pearson (YYZ) | 1,021 nm | 1,039 nm |
| Aspen (ASE) | 1,536 nm | 1,547 nm |
Great-circle distances calculated from OurAirports coordinates. Flight paths are longer, and winter headwinds slow northbound flights. The operator confirms the right aircraft for your group, bags and runway.
For specific city pairs, see our New York to West Palm Beach, Boston to West Palm Beach, Chicago to West Palm Beach, Washington to West Palm Beach and New York to Boca Raton route pages, or our Palm Beach charter page.
Art Basel, the Bahamas and St. Barts from Palm Beach
Palm Beach is a good base for the rest of the winter calendar. Art Basel Miami Beach is December 4–6, 2026, with invitation-only preview days December 2–3. DJT is about 48 nm from Miami-Opa Locka Executive (OPF), and Boca Raton is about 30 nm, so a short hop or a drive both work. Haute Jets clients get access to Haute Living events, including past Art Basel dinners with will.i.am and Jeff Koons; see our Art Basel Miami Beach private jet guide.
The Bahamas are close too: Nassau is about 173 nm from DJT, and DJT has customs for the return. For New Year's in the Caribbean, St. Barts is about 1,092 nm away, though its short runway limits which aircraft can land; our St. Barts New Year's guide explains the rules. Heading down for the holiday itself? See our Thanksgiving 2026 private jet guide.
How to plan your season flights
- Book holiday dates early. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the days around Christmas and New Year's, and the Sunday after Easter are the busiest. Aircraft and crews book up first on those days.
- Plan for a TFR on any winter weekend. Build in a backup airport and a gateway departure option when you book.
- Consider one-way legs. Many clients fly down in late fall and home in spring. One-way flights and empty legs can suit that pattern.
- Tell us about bags and pets. Season-long stays mean more luggage, and sometimes golf clubs or tack for Wellington. The operator confirms what fits.
We don't publish made-up prices. A quote depends on your route, dates, aircraft and how long the jet waits. For general context, see how much it costs to charter a private jet in 2026 and our West Palm Beach charter guide.
Book with Haute Jets
Send us your dates, group size, bags and where you are staying. We will compare aircraft from Wyvern- and ARGUS-rated operators, check for presidential TFRs and line up a backup airport if needed. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes. Request a quote or call (800) 257-5661.
FAQs
What is the airport code for Palm Beach now?
DJT. Palm Beach International Airport was renamed President Donald J. Trump International Airport on July 9, 2026. Its FAA code changed from PBI to DJT and its ICAO code from KPBI to KDJT that day, and the IATA code changed to DJT on August 18, 2026.
Which airport is best for a private jet to Palm Beach?
DJT, formerly PBI, is closest to the island, about 4 miles from Worth Avenue in a straight line, with a 10,001 ft runway and four FBO terminals. Boca Raton (BCT) is the main alternative, especially when presidential flight restrictions limit private flights at DJT.
Can I fly private into Palm Beach when the president is at Mar-a-Lago?
Usually, but with limits. During a presidential TFR, private flights into or out of DJT must go through TSA screening at a designated gateway airport, and Lantana closes to private flights. Boca Raton can still be used on an IFR flight plan, and Stuart and Fort Lauderdale Executive have been excluded from recent TFRs.
What FBOs are at Palm Beach's airport?
AirNav lists Atlantic Aviation, Jet Aviation Palm Beach, and Signature Aviation's North and South terminals at DJT. Boca Raton has Atlantic Aviation and Signature Aviation.
When is the Palm Beach season?
Traditionally from late fall to around Easter, which is March 28 in 2027. Key dates include Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026, the Winter Equestrian Festival from January 6 to April 4, 2027, and the Palm Beach International Boat Show from March 17 to 21, 2027.
How do I get a quote for a private jet to Palm Beach?
Request a quote at https://www.hautejets.com/request-a-quote or call (800) 257-5661. Most quotes arrive within 60 minutes.
Sources
- President Donald J. Trump International Airport, name change FAQs: flydjt.org
- FAA, Notice 8900.780, renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J. Trump International Airport (June 26, 2026): faa.gov
- Florida Senate, 2026 Bill 919: flsenate.gov
- NBAA, VIP 91.141 TFR NOTAM impact statements (Palm Beach, October 30 – November 1, 2026): nbaa.org
- Palm Beach County Department of Airports, presidential TFR briefing to the Citizens' Committee on Airport Noise (November 6, 2025): flydjt.org
- WPTV, FAA extends Mar-a-Lago flight restrictions until December 2026: wptv.com
- WPTV, flight restrictions indicate likely Trump visit this weekend (January 31 – February 2): wptv.com
- Palm Beach Post, Lantana Airport grounded when President Trump visits Mar-a-Lago (February 27, 2025; subscriber access): palmbeachpost.com
- AirNav, President Donald J. Trump International Airport (KDJT): airnav.com
- AirNav, Boca Raton Airport (KBCT): airnav.com
- AirNav, North Palm Beach County General Aviation Airport (F45): airnav.com
- AirNav, Palm Beach County Park Airport (KLNA): airnav.com
- AirNav, Witham Field (KSUA): airnav.com
- AirNav, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE): airnav.com
- Art Basel, Miami Beach 2026 show information: artbasel.com
- Wellington International, 2027 Winter Equestrian Festival dates: wellingtoninternational.com
- Palm Beach International Boat Show 2027: pbboatshow.com
- OurAirports, airport coordinates data: ourairports.com