Florida House Approves Bill to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Donald Trump Amid Heated Debate

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Florida House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 919, a measure that would rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The bill passed with an 81-30 vote following what observers described as an emotionally charged and aggressive floor debate.

According to reporting by the Florida Phoenix, the legislation now moves closer to final enactment, with its Senate companion, SB 706, positioned for a final floor vote. If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would strip the local county of its naming authority for the airport and impose a rebranding effort estimated to cost millions of dollars.

Legislative Action and Financial Implications

The passage of HB 919 marks a significant step in the state legislature’s effort to honor the former president in his home county. However, the proposal has sparked controversy regarding both its funding and its imposition on a local government that politically opposes the former president.

The Cost of Rebranding

State estimates indicate that renaming the airport will cost approximately $5.5 million. This figure covers the replacement of roadway and terminal signage, the rebranding of employee uniforms, and updates to IT systems and promotional materials. Crucially, the text of HB 919 does not explicitly appropriate state funds to cover these expenses.

Palm Beach County officials have warned that without state assistance, the financial burden will likely fall on the airport itself. This would force the facility to use revenue generated from user fees and tenant rents to pay for a name change mandated by the state, rather than for operational improvements.

Senate Progress

While the House has cleared the bill, the process is not yet complete. The Senate version of the legislation, SB 706, sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield, has cleared the Transportation, Community Affairs, and Rules committees. It is currently awaiting a final vote on the Senate floor before it can be presented to the Governor.

Trademark Concerns and the “Grift” Debate

A central flashpoint in the debate involves intellectual property rights and the potential for commercial profit. During the legislative session, opponents raised concerns regarding trademark filings made by DTTM Operations LLC, a company that manages Donald Trump’s intellectual property.

Reports indicate that the company filed “intent to use” applications for names including “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “DJT.” These filings cover a wide range of merchandise, such as clothing, luggage, and souvenirs. Critics, including Representative Anna Eskamani, argued that this creates a framework for a “grift,” where the former president could profit from goods sold at a publicly funded airport.

Supporters of the bill dismissed these concerns. The Trump Organization issued a statement asserting they would license the name “royalty-free” to prevent misuse by bad actors. However, opponents noted that the bill’s text does not legally mandate a royalty-free arrangement, leaving the terms of any future licensing agreement theoretically open to negotiation.

A Vitriolic Floor Debate

The debate on the House floor was characterized by deeply personal exchanges, reflecting the polarized view of the former president’s legacy in Florida.

Arguments in Favor

Republican supporters framed the renaming as a necessary tribute to a “hometown hero.” Representative Dean Black praised the former president’s impact on the region, suggesting that Palm Beach was the birthplace of a new political era.

“With the renaming of this bill… it will officially become a great airport.”

, Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart), via Florida Phoenix

Sponsors of the bill argued that Trump is the first president to be a Florida resident while in office, justifying the honor regardless of local political sentiment.

Arguments Against

Democrats countered that the renaming was offensive to many Floridians, citing the former president’s history of controversial rhetoric. Representative Michele Rayner delivered one of the most widely shared remarks of the session, questioning the intensity of her colleagues’ devotion to the former president.

“I wish I could find someone to love me the way y’all love Donald Trump.”

, Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), via Florida Phoenix

Other lawmakers, including Senator Shevrin Jones, have previously argued that honoring a figure with a history of racially charged controversies is an insult to Floridians of color.

AirPro News Analysis

The passage of HB 919 highlights a continuing trend in Florida politics where the state legislature preempts local authority to enforce cultural or political changes. Palm Beach County, a Democratic stronghold that voted against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has resisted the renaming. By bypassing the county commission, the state legislature is effectively overruling local governance to install a partisan symbol on public infrastructure.

This move follows a precedent set by the renaming of a stretch of Southern Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago to “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” The recurrence of these state-level interventions suggests that the legislature is increasingly willing to use its preemption powers to shape the cultural landscape of specific municipalities, regardless of local voter sentiment.

Sources

• Florida Phoenix
• Mitch Perry

This article summarizes reporting by RTE and Fergal O’Brien.

Legislation Moves to End Dublin Airport‘s Passenger Cap Saga

The Irish Government has approved the priority drafting of new legislation designed to resolve the long-standing conflict over the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. According to reporting by RTE, the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 aims to empower the Minister for Transport to amend or revoke the controversial limit of 32 million annual passengers, a restriction that has been in place since 2007.

This legislative move comes as the airport faces intense pressure from international airlines, business groups, and legal challenges. The cap, originally intended to manage road traffic congestion, has become a stifling ceiling on Ireland’s connectivity, with passenger numbers breaching the limit in both 2024 and 2025.

A Historic Context

The urgency of the new bill contrasts sharply with the airport’s humble beginnings. As noted by RTE’s Fergal O’Brien, it has been just over 86 years since the first commercial flight departed from the site.

“It’s just over 86 years since the first flight took off from what is now known as Dublin Airport…”

, Fergal O’Brien, RTE

That inaugural flight, an Aer Lingus service to Liverpool in January 1940, launched from what was then Collinstown Airport. Today, the facility has evolved from a grass airfield into a major international hub handling over 36 million passengers annually, far exceeding the planning conditions set nearly two decades ago.

The 2026 Bill: Breaking the Deadlock

The proposed legislation seeks to bypass the slow local planning process that has hindered expansion. Under the new bill, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, would have the authority to intervene directly regarding the cap. The government aims to enact this legislation by the end of 2026.

The decision follows a turbulent period for the airport:

• 2024 Breach: The airport handled 33.3 million passengers, exceeding the 32 million cap.
• 2025 Record: Passenger numbers surged to 36.4 million, further highlighting the disconnect between the legal limit and actual demand.
• International Pressure: US industry groups, specifically Airlines for America, warned of potential retaliatory measures if US carriers were blocked from accessing Dublin due to the cap.

Stakeholder Reactions

The response to the government’s announcement has been polarized. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and its CEO, Kenny Jacobs, welcomed the bill as “decisive action” necessary to protect Ireland’s reputation as an open economy.

However, airline executives are pushing for a faster timeline. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the end-of-2026 target, arguing that the cap should be removed by St. Patrick’s Day to prevent damage to route growth. Aer Lingus has similarly expressed concern that the cap undermines its strategy of using Dublin as a transatlantic hub.

Conversely, local residents have reacted with outrage. Groups such as the St. Margaret’s The Ward Residents Group have described the move as a “disgrace,” arguing that the cap was their only protection against excessive noise and night flights. They contend that the government is prioritizing corporate interests over the health and well-being of local communities.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 represents a significant shift in how Ireland manages critical infrastructure. By moving the power to regulate capacity from local planning authorities to the central government, the state is signaling that national economic connectivity supersedes local planning constraints.

However, this “saga” is unlikely to end immediately upon the bill’s enactment. The legislation requires engagement with An Coimisiún Pleanála and adherence to EU environmental laws. Given the staunch opposition from resident groups, we anticipate that any ministerial decision to lift the cap will face immediate legal challenges, potentially in the form of a Judicial Review. While the bill provides a pathway to growth, the road ahead remains paved with legal and environmental hurdles.

Sources

Sources: RTE, DAA, Government of Ireland

This article is based on an official press release from flynas.

flynas and Syrian Civil Aviation Authority Form “flynas Syria” Joint Venture

Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier flynas has officially signed a joint venture agreement with the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) to establish a new national low-cost carrier, “flynas Syria.” The agreement, finalized on February 7, 2026, marks a significant step in the reintegration of Syria’s aviation sector into the regional economy.

According to the announcement, the new airline is scheduled to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2026. The carrier will be based at Damascus International Airport (DAM) and aims to connect Syria with key destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This development follows the resumption of direct flights between Riyadh and Damascus by flynas in June 2025, positioning the Saudi carrier as a primary stakeholder in the reconstruction of Syria’s air transport infrastructure.

The partnership serves as a major component of a broader economic initiative led by Saudi Arabia to support stability and development in the region. By leveraging flynas’ operational expertise and the regulatory authority of the Syrian government, the venture seeks to modernize the country’s aviation standards and facilitate the return of trade and tourism.

Operational Structure and Timeline

The joint venture is structured to ensure regulatory compliance while benefiting from private sector efficiency. According to details released regarding the agreement, the ownership is divided between the state and the Saudi carrier:

• 51% Ownership: Held by the Syrian General Authority of Civil Aviation and Air Transport.
• 49% Ownership: Held by flynas.

Operations are targeted to begin in late 2026. While specific fleet details were not disclosed in the initial announcement, flynas currently operates an all-Airbus fleet consisting of the A320neo family. Industry observers suggest the new subsidiary may adopt a similar fleet composition to maximize maintenance and training synergies.

Executive Commentary

Senior officials from both nations have framed the deal as a “qualitative leap” for regional connectivity. Bander Almohanna, CEO of flynas, emphasized the strategic importance of the venture in a statement included in the announcement.

“This partnership represents a qualitative leap in our expansion strategy, aiming to contribute to Syria’s regional and international connectivity.”

, Bander Almohanna, CEO of flynas

Similarly, Omar Hisham Al-Hosari, President of the Syrian GACA, noted that the partnership reflects a shift toward “smart cooperation models with trusted regional partners” intended to rebuild the sector on modern foundations.

Geopolitical and Regulatory Context

The establishment of flynas Syria occurs against a backdrop of significant political and regulatory shifts. Following political changes in late 2024, the regulatory environment for Syrian aviation has begun to thaw. In February 2025, the European Union removed Syrian Arab Airlines and other entities from its sanctions list, a move designed to support economic recovery.

The path to reconnecting Syria with Europe has already been opened by other carriers. In June 2025, Romanian airline Dan Air became the first EU carrier to resume direct flights to Damascus. However, flynas Syria will still need to navigate technical safety audits, such as the EASA Third Country Operator authorization, to operate freely within EU airspace.

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih described the agreement as a model for “constructive investment cooperation” serving the mutual interests of both Saudi Arabia and Syria. The deal was signed alongside other infrastructure contracts, including agreements to develop Aleppo International Airport and invest in the telecommunications sector.

AirPro News Analysis

The LCC Model in Post-Conflict Reconstruction

The choice of a low-cost carrier (LCC) model for Syria’s new national airline is a strategic divergence from the traditional legacy carrier approach often seen in the region. By partnering with flynas, the Syrian Civil Aviation Authority is likely attempting to bypass the historical inefficiencies associated with state-run legacy carriers.

An LCC model is particularly well-suited for post-conflict reconstruction for several reasons. First, it lowers the barrier to entry for the diaspora and business travelers, stimulating traffic volume more rapidly than a full-service model might. Second, the operational discipline required by the LCC model, quick turnarounds, single-type fleets, and point-to-point service, can offer higher reliability in an environment where infrastructure may still be recovering.

Furthermore, the 49% stake held by flynas provides the new entity with immediate access to established supply chains, safety management systems, and leasing markets that might otherwise be difficult for a standalone Syrian entity to access. This “franchise-like” approach allows for a rapid ramp-up of operations, targeting Q4 2026, which would be aggressive for a wholly grassroots startup.

Sources

Sources: flynas