Palm Beach International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport, known today as PBI, holds a fascinating past far beyond its current role as a gateway to South Florida's vibrant coast. It began with an unexpected military history, playing critical roles in global conflicts before evolving into a bustling civilian hub. Join us as we uncover the surprising transformations and hidden stories of this essential regional airport. PBI originated as Morrison Field, a vital military installation that played significant roles in both World War II and the Korean War. The airport's growth has been shaped by shifts in military presence, local politics, and competition, leading to its modern expansion and services. Beyond commercial flights, PBI is home to crucial emergency services, including specialized medical air transport, and has a unique connection to U.S. presidential history.
AI Summary
Palm Beach International Airport, known today as PBI, holds a fascinating past far beyond its current role as a gateway to South Florida's vibrant coast. It began with an unexpected military history, playing critical roles in global conflicts before evolving into a bustling civilian hub. Join us as we uncover the surprising transformations and hidden stories of this essential regional airport.
- PBI originated as Morrison Field, a vital military installation that played significant roles in both World War II and the Korean War.
- The airport's growth has been shaped by shifts in military presence, local politics, and competition, leading to its modern expansion and services.
- Beyond commercial flights, PBI is home to crucial emergency services, including specialized medical air transport, and has a unique connection to U.S. presidential history.
From Morrison Field to PBI
Our story begins in 1936 with the inauguration of Morrison Field, named in honor of Grace Morrison, a pivotal figure in the airfield's establishment. That same year, Eastern Air Lines launched the first commercial flight from the field, a DC-2 bound for New York, marking the start of its journey.
Just a year later, the airport began to expand beyond a simple airstrip and administration building. Palm Beach Aero Corporation leased the land, constructing hangars and the facility's very first terminal, which soon became known as the Eastern Air Lines Terminal.
A Strategic Military Hub
As World War II engulfed the globe, Morrison Field took on a dramatically different role. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, it became a crucial training ground and a staging base for the Allied invasion of France. Numerous aircraft departed from here, heading for the United Kingdom to participate in the historic D-Day invasion of Normandy.
During the war, Morrison Field also served as an essential stopover point for long-haul flights. Aircraft traveling to and from India, traversing routes via Brazil and West Africa, would make their crucial landings here.
In 1947, with the war concluded and the U.S. Air Force newly established, ownership of Morrison Field was returned to Palm Beach County. A year later, in 1948, it was officially renamed Palm Beach International Airport—a name that, despite its future changes, hinted at its growing ambitions.
However, the military's influence wasn't over. In 1951, the airport was once again utilized by the U.S. Air Force, transforming into Palm Beach Air Force Base. Under the control of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), it served a vital training function during the Korean War.
The host unit, the 1707th Air Transport Wing (Heavy), earned the nickname 'University of MATS' due to its comprehensive training programs. It became the primary USAF training center for personnel operating and maintaining heavy transport aircraft like the C-124 Globemaster II and C-118 Liftmaster. Almost 23,000 airmen received training at Palm Beach AFB during the Korean War.
Beyond transport, the Air Weather Service established its headquarters for hurricane research at Palm Beach AFB. In 1956, it was from this base that the first WB-50D Superfortress 'Hurricane Hunter' aircraft took to the skies, beginning a critical mission of meteorological data collection.
By the late 1950s, local pressure for civilian control grew. The Air Force began scaling down operations, ultimately inactivating the 1707th ATW in 1959. While a small presence remained for weather and photo-mapping, Palm Beach County resumed airfield operations. Finally, in 1962, the Air Force fully departed, conveying all property to Palm Beach International Airport.
Civilian Expansion and Presidential Ties
With full civilian control restored, commercial air travel flourished. Delta Air Lines began scheduled flights in 1959, followed by Capital Airlines in 1960. The era of jet travel arrived swiftly, with Eastern Airlines introducing Lockheed L-188 Electras in 1959 and DC-8 nonstops to New York's Idlewild (now JFK) by December 1960.
Palm Beach International Airport also gained a distinguished visitor during the early 1960s—Air Force One. It became a frequent stop for President John F. Kennedy. Despite proposals to relocate the airport, local voters chose to expand the existing facilities, solidifying PBI's future in its current location.
The airport continued to grow, with an eight-gate Main Terminal opening in 1966. Delta Air Lines later moved into its own six-gate terminal in 1974, notable for introducing the airport's first jetways. A new Air Traffic Control Tower was also constructed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the increasing air traffic.
By the mid-1970s, major carriers like Delta, Eastern, and National dominated PBI's routes, offering widebody service to key destinations like New York JFK, Newark, Atlanta, and Miami. This era saw a significant increase in capacity, cementing PBI's status as a major regional airport.
In 1988, a significant milestone was reached with the dedication of the 25-gate David McCampbell Terminal, named after a renowned World War II naval flying ace. This modern facility marked a new era for PBI, designed to handle growing passenger numbers and offer an improved travel experience.
The 1990s presented challenges, as fierce competition from the rapidly expanding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport impacted PBI's growth. The 2001 recession and the September 11 attacks further hindered development. However, a surge in South Florida's population since 2002, coupled with the arrival of discount carriers like JetBlue and Southwest Airlines, revitalized passenger traffic.
In recent years, Air Force One once again became a frequent visitor during Donald Trump's presidency, often parking on the south side of the airport. Interestingly, Trump had previously sued PBI in 2010 to block a runway expansion and again in 2015 over flight paths near his Mar-a-Lago estate. He dropped the latter lawsuit after his presidential election win ensured a de facto no-fly zone.
Looking to the future, the Florida Legislature approved a bill in February 2026, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, to rename the airport the 'President Donald J. Trump International Airport.' This change, scheduled for July 2026, still requires final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Modern Facilities and Services
Runways and Taxiways
Palm Beach International Airport spans a significant 2,120 acres, featuring three active runways to accommodate its diverse air traffic. Their designations were updated by the FAA in December 2009 to their current configuration.
10L/28R: 10,001 x 150 ft. (3,048 x 46 m), asphalt\n10R/28L: 3,214 x 75 ft. (980 x 23 m), asphalt\n14/32: 6,931 x 150 ft. (2,113 x 46 m), asphalt
Terminal Overview
PBI operates with a single, modern terminal building, thoughtfully designed with 31 gates—27 equipped with jetways and 4 designated as hardstands. This terminal is efficiently organized into three distinct concourses: A, B, and C.
Concourse A primarily serves Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, and Bahamasair, offering four gates (A1–A4). Concourse B is a larger hub with 13 gates (B1–B12, B14), hosting American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, and shared services with Allegiant and Avelo.
Concourse C, the largest, features 14 gates (C1–C12, C14, C16) and caters to a wide array of carriers, including Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Porter Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. International flights utilize customs and immigration services located on the terminal's lower west side, accessible from both Concourses A and B.
Air Traffic Control
Guiding aircraft through the South Florida skies is PBI's impressive 240-foot tall Airport Traffic Control tower, situated on the north side of the airport. This modern facility, complemented by a 9,000-square-foot base building, replaced an older tower on the southern side, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Specialized Aviation and Emergency Response
Beyond commercial jets, PBI is a hub for various specialized aviation operations. Helicopter movements often use Runway 10R/28L or its parallel taxiways, or make direct approaches to customs or the Galaxy Aviation ramp. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office maintains its air division from a hangar at the southwest corner, showcasing the airport's diverse utility.
Crucially, the Health Care District of Palm Beach County operates its 'Trauma Hawk' air ambulance program from a hangar adjacent to the Sheriff's Office. This vital service, established in 1990, deploys two Sikorsky S-76C helicopters to medically evacuate critically injured patients, staffed by a pilot, a registered nurse, and a paramedic—a true lifeline for the community.
The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Aviation Battalion is strategically located between the runways, providing rapid fire and emergency medical services. Their station houses 13 pieces of specialized equipment, including multiple airport crash tenders—known as 'Dragon' units—and a heavy rescue vehicle, ready for any incident from plane crashes to mass-casualty events.
PBI at a Glance: Key Statistics
Top Domestic Destinations (Annual Passengers)
Rank\tCity\tPassengers\tCarriers\n1\tAtlanta, Georgia\t635,000\tDelta, Southwest\n2\tNewark, New Jersey\t477,000\tJetBlue, United\n3\tNew York–LaGuardia, New York\t405,000\tDelta, JetBlue, Spirit\n4\tCharlotte, North Carolina\t295,000\tAmerican\n5\tNew York–JFK, New York\t281,000\tDelta, JetBlue\n6\tBoston, Massachusetts\t263,000\tAmerican, Delta, JetBlue\n7\tWhite Plains, New York\t230,000\tDelta, JetBlue\n8\tPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania\t229,000\tAmerican, Frontier\n9\tWashington–National, D.C.\t188,000\tAmerican, JetBlue\n10\tBaltimore, Maryland\t164,000\tSouthwest
Airline Market Share (Annual Passengers)
Rank\tAirline\tPassengers\tPercent of market share\n1\tJetBlue Airways\t2,060,000\t27.19%\n2\tDelta Air Lines\t1,970,000\t26.01%\n3\tAmerican Airlines\t1,413,000\t18.66%\n4\tUnited Airlines\t824,000\t10.87%\n5\tSouthwest Airlines\t578,000\t7.63%\n-\tOther\t730,000\t9.64%
Annual Passenger Traffic
PBI has experienced fluctuating but generally increasing passenger traffic over the decades. After periods of competition and economic downturns, the airport has seen robust growth in recent years, reaching over 7.7 million passengers in 2023, with projections continuing upward.
Year\tPassengers\n1989\t5,115,700\n1990\t5,691,410\n1991\t5,077,573\n1992\t5,023,693\n1993\t5,074,132\n1994\t5,588,434\n1995\t5,418,831\n1996\t5,680,913\n1997\t5,813,361\n1998\t5,899,482\n1999\t5,742,634\n2000\t5,842,594\n2001\t5,939,404\n2002\t5,483,662\n2003\t6,014,186\n2004\t6,537,263\n2005\t7,014,237\n2006\t6,824,789\n2007\t6,936,449\n2008\t6,476,303\n2009\t5,994,606\n2010\t5,887,723\n2011\t5,769,583\n2012\t5,609,168\n2013\t5,691,747\n2014\t5,886,384\n2015\t6,265,530\n2016\t6,264,397\n2017\t6,322,452\n2018\t6,513,943\n2019\t6,899,919\n2020\t3,085,200\n2021\t5,260,748\n2022\t6,640,043\n2023\t7,766,225\n2024\t8,403,519
Article
Palm Beach International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport (IATA: PBI, ICAO: KPBI, FAA LID: PBI) – also known as PBI Airport and historically as Morrison Field & Palm Beach Air Force Base – is a public airport in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States located just west of the city of West Palm Beach, for which it serves as the primary airport. It is also the primary airport for most of Palm Beach County, serving the suburbs and cities of Boca Raton, Wellington, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, and Palm Beach Gardens. It is the third busiest airport in the Miami metropolitan area after Miami International Airport and Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.
In February 2026, the Florida Legislature approved a bill to rename the airport to the President Donald J. Trump International Airport. The bill was signed into law by Florida governor Ron DeSantis the following month. The rename will require Federal Aviation Administration approval to be finalized and is scheduled to take place in July 2026.
Palm Beach Airport is operated by the Palm Beach County Department of Airports. Road access to the airport is direct from I-95, Southern Boulevard, and Congress Avenue. The airport is bordered on the west by Military Trail.
History
Palm Beach International Airport
Palm Beach International Airport began operations in 1936 as Morrison Field. It was named in honor of Grace Morrison, a key participant in the planning and organization of the airfield. The first flight departing the field was a New York-bound DC-2 operated by Eastern Air Lines in 1936. The airport was officially dedicated on December 19, 1936.
In 1937, the airport expanded beyond an airstrip and an administration building when the Palm Beach Aero Corporation obtained a lease, built hangars and the first terminal on the south side of the airport. The new terminal was known as the Eastern Air Lines Terminal.
The field was used by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Morrison Field was used for training and later as a staging base for the Allied invasion of France, with numerous aircraft departing Morrison en route to the United Kingdom to take part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy. Morrison Field was a stopover for flights to and from India, via Brazil and West Africa.
In 1947, the newly established U.S. Air Force returned ownership of Morrison Field to Palm Beach County. The name was then changed to Palm Beach International Airport one year later, in 1948.
The airport was again used by the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and renamed Palm Beach Air Force Base under the control of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS). USAF operations occupied the north half of the airfield while civil operations and the airline terminal used the south half. MATS used the base for training with the host unit being the 1707th Air Transport Wing (Heavy), and its 1740th Heavy Transport Training Unit. The 1707 ATW was known as the "University of MATS", becoming the primary USAF training unit for all Air Force personnel supporting and flying heavy transport aircraft. These included C-124 Globemaster II, C-118 Liftmaster, C-97 Stratofreighter, and C-54 Skymaster maintenance training along with aircrew and transition pilot training. Nearly 23,000 airmen trained at Palm Beach AFB during the Korean War.
The Air Weather Service used Palm Beach AFB as headquarters for hurricane research, flying the first WB-50D Superfortress "Hurricane Hunter" aircraft from the base in 1956.
After several years of Palm Beach County fighting the Air Force presence in West Palm Beach, the Air Force started to close down operations there. The 1707 ATW was inactivated on June 30, 1959, and reassigned to Tinker AFB, Oklahoma. With the wing's departure, Palm Beach County took over airfield operations. The Air Force retained a small presence at the base with the 9th Weather Group becoming the main operational unit at Palm Beach AFB, performing hurricane and weather research for the Air Weather Service. The Air Photographic and Charting Service (APCS) moved its 1370th Photo-Mapping Wing to the base, performing geodetic survey flights. The Air Force finally closed Palm Beach AFB in 1962, and all property was conveyed to Palm Beach International Airport the same year.
Delta Air Lines began scheduled flights in 1959 and Capital Airlines in 1960. The first turbine-powered flights were Eastern Airlines Lockheed L-188 Electras in 1959, and Eastern DC-8 nonstops to Idlewild started in December 1960.
Air Force One was a frequent visitor to PBI during John F. Kennedy's presidency in the early 1960s. Local voters defeated a proposal to relocate the airport around this time, instead choosing to expand the existing facilities. In October 1966, an eight-gate Main Terminal opened on the northeast side of the airport; in 1974 Delta Air Lines moved into its own six-gate terminal with the airport's first jetways. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) built a new Air Traffic Control Tower on the south side of the airport during this period.
By the mid-1970s, the airport's dominant carriers were Delta, Eastern and National. Eastern operated the airport's only widebody service at the time, daily L-1011s to New York JFK and Newark. By 1979, National operated daily DC-10 service to JFK, LaGuardia and Miami, while Eastern operated L-1011s to Atlanta and Delta operated L-1011s to Tampa. By 1985, eight widebodies a day flew between PBI and the three New York airports.
The 25-gate David McCampbell Terminal, named for a World War II naval flying ace, was dedicated in 1988. In 2003, a new landscaped I-95 interchange was built to decrease traffic on Southern Boulevard (US 98) extending Turnage Boulevard (the road around the perimeter of the concourse).
Competition from rapidly expanding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport cut growth at the airport in the 1990s. The 2001 recession and the September 11 terrorist attacks further inhibited growth, but development in South Florida since 2002 has finally led to a surge of passenger traffic at the airport. In addition, discount carriers such as JetBlue and Southwest Airlines began service to PBI. In 2006, the county embarked on an interim expansion program by breaking ground on a 7-story parking garage and the addition of 3 gates in Concourse C. Long range expansions include gates at Concourse B and the eventual construction of a new 14 gate Concourse D to be extended east from the present terminal.
Air Force One departing Palm Beach Airport in 2017, carrying President Donald J. Trump.
Donald Trump sued to block the expansion of one of the runways at PBI in 2010. In 2015, he initiated a $100 million lawsuit over the flight path that passes over his Mar-a-Lago estate. After his win in the 2016 presidential election ensured some type of no fly zone over his property, he later dropped the lawsuit. During his presidential term, Air Force One again became a frequent visitor to PBI, typically parking on the south side of the airport near Southern Boulevard. Until 2017, a line of school buses was used as a temporary barrier between the aircraft and onlookers. Temporary security fences began being used requiring assembly and disassembling.
In February 2026, lawmakers in the Florida legislature approved a bill to rename the airport to the "President Donald J. Trump International Airport" by a vote of 25 to 11 in the Florida Senate and 81 to 30 in the Florida House of Representatives. Florida governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill into law in March 2026, though the rename also requires approval by the Federal Aviation Administration to become official. The Trump Organization filed to trademark the airport's new name.
Facilities
Runways and taxiways
Palm Beach International Airport covers 2,120 acres (858 ha) and has three runways:
• 10L/28R: 10,001 x 150 ft. (3,048 x 46 m), asphalt • 10R/28L: 3,214 x 75 ft. (980 x 23 m), asphalt • 14/32: 6,931 x 150 ft. (2,113 x 46 m), asphalt
The airport's runway designations were changed by the Federal Aviation Administration to their current configuration on December 17, 2009. Previously, they had been 09L/27R, 09R/27L, and 13/31.
Terminal
The airport's terminal in 2016, with Concourse C visible at center.
Palm Beach International Airport has one terminal, which consists of 31 gates (27 jetway gates, 4 hardstands) and three concourses.
• Concourse A contains four gates (numbered A1–A4), and serves Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, and Bahamasair. • Concourse B contains 13 gates (numbered B1–B12, B14), and serves Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and United Airlines. • Concourse C contains 14 gates (numbered C1–C12, C14, C16), and serves Air Canada, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Porter Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
Customs and immigration services for international flights are located on the lower level on the west side of the terminal and can be accessed by a gates on both Concourses A and B. A future Concourse D is proposed, to be constructed off the east side of the terminal.
Control tower
A 240-foot (73 m) Airport Traffic Control tower is active on the north side of the airport – west of concourse A, off Belvedere Road – along with a single-story, 9,000-square-foot (840 m2) ATBM Base Building. The current tower replaced the previous one, which was located on the southern side of the airport. The old tower was eventually demolished after the new tower came into service.
Helicopters
• Helicopter operations typically use 10R/28L or its parallel taxiways or make a direct approach to either Customs or the Galaxy Aviation ramp. • Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office (PBSO) maintains its air division from a hangar at the southwest corner of the airport. • Health Care District of Palm Beach County operates the Traumahawk with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue from a hangar at the southwest corner of the airport, next to PBSO.
Other hangars
• General Aviation fixed-base operators (FBO) and hangars are located along the southern edge of the airport, with entrance access available by the Jet Aviation FBO. Other FBOs at PBI include Atlantic Aviation and Signature Flight Support.
Fire protection and emergency medical services
One of the airport's crash response trucks in 2008.
The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Aviation Battalion is located between the runways at PBI. The fire station, which is located near the center of the airport grounds, is home to 13 pieces of specialized fire fighting equipment.
• An air stair for emergency deplanings • Five airport crash tenders, with call sign Dragon (Dragon 1, Dragon 2, etc.) • A foam unit that carries Purple-K concentrate to assist with extinguishing a fire • A heavy rescue vehicle that carries additional tools for plane crashes and other mass-casualty incidents
Trauma Hawk
Trauma Hawk 1 at its hangar at Palm Beach International Airport
The Trauma Hawk Station, which is located at the south west corner of the airport, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue has two Sikorsky S-76C helos. The department partners with the Palm Beach County Health Care District to operate the Trauma Hawk Aero-Medical Program. The Trauma Hawk program, which was established in November 1990, replaced the use of Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office helicopters to medevac critically injured patients to area hospitals. Air ambulances are identically equipped and can carry two patients each and up to four medical attendants if needed. Each helicopter is staffed with a pilot, a registered nurse (RN) and a paramedic. The nurses and paramedics are Palm Beach County Fire Rescue employees while the pilots are Health Care District employees.
Statistics
Palm Beach International Airport
United Airlines Boeing 737 at PBI
Top destinations
<table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>City</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Carriers</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>Atlanta, Georgia</td><td>635,000</td><td>Delta, Southwest</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Newark, New Jersey</td><td>477,000</td><td>JetBlue, United</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>New York–LaGuardia, New York</td><td>405,000</td><td>Delta, JetBlue, Spirit</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>Charlotte, North Carolina</td><td>295,000</td><td>American</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>New York–JFK, New York</td><td>281,000</td><td>Delta, JetBlue</td></tr><tr><td>6</td><td>Boston, Massachusetts</td><td>263,000</td><td>American, Delta, JetBlue</td></tr><tr><td>7</td><td>White Plains, New York</td><td>230,000</td><td>Delta, JetBlue</td></tr><tr><td>8</td><td>Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</td><td>229,000</td><td>American, Frontier</td></tr><tr><td>9</td><td>Washington–National, D.C.</td><td>188,000</td><td>American, JetBlue</td></tr><tr><td>10</td><td>Baltimore, Maryland</td><td>164,000</td><td>Southwest</td></tr></tbody></table>
Airline market share
<table><thead><tr><th>Rank</th><th>Airline</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Percent of market share</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1</td><td>JetBlue Airways</td><td>2,060,000</td><td>27.19%</td></tr><tr><td>2</td><td>Delta Air Lines</td><td>1,970,000</td><td>26.01%</td></tr><tr><td>3</td><td>American Airlines</td><td>1,413,000</td><td>18.66%</td></tr><tr><td>4</td><td>United Airlines</td><td>824,000</td><td>10.87%</td></tr><tr><td>5</td><td>Southwest Airlines</td><td>578,000</td><td>7.63%</td></tr><tr><td>-</td><td>Other</td><td>730,000</td><td>9.64%</td></tr></tbody></table>
Annual traffic
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Year</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Year</th><th>Passengers</th><th>Year</th><th>Passengers</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>1989</td><td>5,115,700</td><td>1999</td><td>5,742,634</td><td>2009</td><td>5,994,606</td><td>2019</td><td>6,899,919</td></tr><tr><td>1990</td><td>5,691,410</td><td>2000</td><td>5,842,594</td><td>2010</td><td>5,887,723</td><td>2020</td><td>3,085,200</td></tr><tr><td>1991</td><td>5,077,573</td><td>2001</td><td>5,939,404</td><td>2011</td><td>5,769,583</td><td>2021</td><td>5,260,748</td></tr><tr><td>1992</td><td>5,023,693</td><td>2002</td><td>5,483,662</td><td>2012</td><td>5,609,168</td><td>2022</td><td>6,640,043</td></tr><tr><td>1993</td><td>5,074,132</td><td>2003</td><td>6,014,186</td><td>2013</td><td>5,691,747</td><td>2023</td><td>7,766,225</td></tr><tr><td>1994</td><td>5,588,434</td><td>2004</td><td>6,537,263</td><td>2014</td><td>5,886,384</td><td>2024</td><td>8,403,519</td></tr><tr><td>1995</td><td>5,418,831</td><td>2005</td><td>7,014,237</td><td>2015</td><td>6,265,530</td><td>2025</td><td>8,657,372</td></tr><tr><td>1996</td><td>5,680,913</td><td>2006</td><td>6,824,789</td><td>2016</td><td>6,264,397</td><td>2026</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1997</td><td>5,813,361</td><td>2007</td><td>6,936,449</td><td>2017</td><td>6,322,452</td><td>2027</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>1998</td><td>5,899,482</td><td>2008</td><td>6,476,303</td><td>2018</td><td>6,513,943</td><td>2028</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
Ground transportation
Car
Interstate 95, Southern Boulevard, and Congress Avenue all serve – and provide direct vehicular access to – the airport.
Bus
Palm Tran bus route 44 serve the airport. Both provide connections to the Amtrak/Tri-Rail West Palm Beach train station; the station is also served by Greyhound buses.
Rail
Palm Beach International Airport is near the West Palm Beach Brightline Station (served by Brightline) and the West Palm Beach Amtrak/Tri-Rail station (served by Amtrak intercity trains and Tri-Rail commuter trains). A Palm Tran shuttle bus service connects the latter station with the airport.
Accidents and incidents
Palm Beach International Airport
• On August 21, 1956, a USAF Douglas C-124C Globemaster II crashed during its initial climb at then Palm Beach Air Force Base when a prop cuff came off an engine and went through the fuselage, cutting control cables, the aircraft banked to the right and crashed into a tree nursery, three out of the six occupants were killed. • On January 30, 2008, American Airlines Flight 1738, a Boeing 757 flying from Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Philadelphia International Airport, had to make an emergency landing in West Palm Beach after the captain reported smoke in the cockpit. Of the 137 passengers and seven crewmembers, one passenger and five crewmembers were taken to the hospital, including the captain and the first officer. • On November 11, 2010, a Piper PA-44 Seminole flying from Palm Beach International Airport to Melbourne Orlando International Airport crashed on a taxiway after an engine failed during takeoff. The plane was operated by Florida Institute of Technology's College of Aeronautics and all four aboard—two FIT flight students, a flight instructor, and a passenger—were killed. • On October 25, 2012, Spirit Airlines Flight 946, an Airbus A319 flying from Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, Colombia, to Fort Lauderdale International Airport, had made an emergency landing after engine No. 2 had failed on the aircraft. The plane had landed safely, and there was no damage to the plane or injuries reported. • On March 24, 2014, Delta Air Lines Flight 2014, a McDonnell Douglas MD-90 flying from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Palm Beach International Airport, had declared an emergency due to a hydraulic problem and made an emergency landing on runway 28R. There was no damage to the plane and there were no injuries. • On July 21, 2016, American Airlines Flight 1822, an Airbus A319 flying from Palm Beach International Airport to Philadelphia International Airport experienced a hydraulic fluid leak while taxiing for departure. Passengers exited the aircraft via emergency slides. Seventeen people were treated for various injuries. • On May 10, 2022, a Cessna 208 Caravan with two passengers aboard en route from Marsh Harbour Airport in the Bahamas to Treasure Coast International Airport in Fort Pierce, Florida, made an emergency landing at Palm Beach International Airport. After the pilot fell ill and lost consciousness, passenger Darren Harrison took control and called the tower at Treasure Coast International. Robert Morgan, an air traffic controller and a certified flight instructor, guided Harrison, who had no flying experience, to land safely at Palm Beach. The pilot who collapsed was hospitalized and his condition later stabilized. Neither passenger was injured. • On January 24, 2023, an alleged bomb threat aboard a Frontier Airlines flight prompted authorities to evacuate Concourse C of the airport. A passenger made a statement that there was a bomb in his bags. The passenger who made the threat was arrested by the FBI.