PBI Announces FAA Flight Path Changes

West Palm Beach, FL (Jan. 23, 2026) - Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is advising the community of changes to flight paths following updated procedures issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

After the FAA issued a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) over Mar-a-Lago on Oct. 20, 2025, the Air Traffic Control Tower at PBI used radar vectors, based on compass headings, to direct aircraft around the restricted airspace. These headings were issued in a fan pattern to provide adequate spacing between departing flights, accounting for differences in aircraft speeds and turn rates.

On Dec. 11, 2025, the FAA published new Standard Instrument Departure (SID) procedures for PBI. These updated procedures use Area Navigation (RNAV), which relies on pre-defined routes and waypoints in an aircraft's onboard navigation system. RNAV procedures provide greater precision than radar vectors. The new procedures became effective Jan. 22, 2026.

Although the new procedures do not restore the historic flight paths, flights are anticipated to be more concentrated over the predefined routes, reducing fanning over certain communities.

"We are hopeful that the standardized procedures will help reduce noise impacts for our community while maintaining safe and efficient operations," said Palm Beach County Department of Airports Laura Beebe.

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Rebeca Krogman

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