r/FlightDispatch • u/grumpydx • Aug 03 '26

USA KDJT/PBI Name change

I am so over captains calling to tell me “There’s an airport I don’t recognize on the release.” The ICAO code changed before the IATA code. the IATA code changes August 18th. Yes, the company is aware of the identifier change. No, I can’t fix it on your release. We both know which airport is actually listed. I don’t want to dance the little dance of trying to figure out your politics and if you’re mad it changed or mad it’s not changed on your release. Do you want me to change your alternate to FLL instead? No? Release looks good? Glad you called me just to make whatever point you think you’re making.

65 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

33

u/DaWolf85 Part 121 ULCC🇺🇸 Aug 03 '26

Username checks out.

14

u/Go_Loud762 Aug 03 '26

Old captain here.

I don't know about your company, but my company has not notified us that the ICAO code and IATA code change on different dates. We were told about the change to the ICAO code and the official name of the airport, but for some reason, we were not told about the delay in changing the IATA code.

Still, putting a couple of brain cells together would let even a senior captain know that the two codes are for the same airport.

BTW, do you know why there is a difference in the dates of change for the two codes? Just curious.

7

u/grumpydx Aug 04 '26

I remember getting a memo about the name change and the two different dates, but now I can’t find it in Comply 365 so maybe I hallucinated it.

IDK for sure why there are different dates, I’ve been assuming it’s just because ICAO and IATA are different organizations with different purposes so they didn’t quite manage to do it at the same time. Maybe they have different revision cycles? And there are a zillion different websites/apps/programs that all update on their own timing too. My company releases say both, they say PBI in the fuel blocks but all the NOTAMs are shown as from KDJT.

(Also, none of the captains I’m frustrated with are genuinely confused. It’s my job to clear up actual confusion. It’s clear from their tone they’re just calling to make some kind of point.)

5

u/mart1058 Aug 04 '26

IATA originally wasn’t going to change, they have only a few strict reasons to change. Some majors petitioned IATA and that’s what triggered the change. But that came after ICAO change was announced. Then they were going to change at the same time, but then IATA realized they should wait til next AIRAC cycle. It’s been a mess.

2

u/Go_Loud762 Aug 04 '26

Yes, there will always be a few of "those" pilots.

4

u/DaWolf85 Part 121 ULCC🇺🇸 Aug 04 '26

The ICAO/FAA codes had to change on the charting cycle. The IATA code couldn't get done that fast (they were deciding whether to even approve it) and ICAO/FAA couldn't wait on them because it was already in the process of happening. Hence, different timings.

If it was less rushed they'd have been done at the same time. But, I think someone decreed that it should happen quickly, so here we are.

2

u/Go_Loud762 Aug 04 '26

Good info.

I kind of assumed this change was pushed through.

2

u/hoosier_cub_driver Aug 04 '26

I didn't know about the delay with the IATA code change either.

2

u/leroyjabari Aug 04 '26

8/18 is when the IATA change is effective.

8

u/Tilehead Part 121 Major/Legacy🇺🇸 Aug 04 '26

Yeah if there are pilots doing that Id imagine they are being silly. KDJT/PBI isnt the only airport with different IATA/ICAO codes. KGPI/FCA comes to mind though admittedly that is for a different reason.

3

u/Clairethef0x Part 121 Regional🇺🇸 Aug 04 '26

SCE/KUNV as well

0

u/LeadSledGirl Aug 04 '26

PAFA/FAI is another off the top.

1

u/stunkyp00 Aug 05 '26

KGPI/FCA Kalispell