Bhim Singh further demanded that the ‘GAY’ code name should be changed to a more respectful and culturally appropriate code. His demand has fuelled the anger and resentment of the LGBTQ community.
Responding to his question, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that these codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and they typically consist of the first three letters of the airport’s name. In his written reply on Monday, he told the BJP MP that these three-letter airport codes, once assigned, are considered permanent and are only changed in exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns.
What Is IATA?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a Canada-based global trade organisation for the world’s airlines, representing around 300 air carriers globally. The International Air Transport Association is responsible for assigning these three-letter codes worldwide to identify airports and simplify airline operations, including the handling of baggage, logistics, ticketing, etc.
The three-letter codes assigned by IATA are different from the ICAO codes, which are used for air traffic control and flight operations, and are four-letter codes set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
Importance Of Airport Codes
International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes are an important part of the international aviation language that allows airlines, travel agencies, cargo handlers and regulatory bodies to coordinate worldwide.
These codes are important because they appear on boarding passes, tickets, itineraries, and e-tickets and help passengers quickly understand their route and transfers.
These codes are printed on luggage tags to ensure that bags are being carried correctly. Wrong labelling can lead to luggage going in a different direction, which can cause inconvenience to passengers. These codes help reduce errors.
These three-letter codes are used on departure or arrival boards, airline websites and apps, flight-tracking software and air traffic management interfaces.
Can Airport Codes Be Changed?
Murlidhar Mohol said, usually, the airport code is formed by the first three letters of the name of the city where it is located. The Civil Aviation Ministry and the Airports Authority of India have received requests to change Gaya airport’s code in the past as well.
These IATA location codes are primarily for commercial airline operations and are issued at the request of airlines. Air India, too, had sought a code change in the past. However, as per the rules of IATA Resolution 763, these three-letter codes are permanent. They can be changed only in exceptional circumstances, like air security.
List Of Funny Airport Codes
Perm International Airport in Russia — PEE
Da Nang International Airport in Vietnam— DAD
Pocos De Caldas in Brazil— POO
Bodø Airport in Norway— BOO
Cascais Municipal Aerodrome in Portugal— CAT
Sioux Gateway Airport in the USA— SUX
Fresno Yosemite International Airport in the USA— FAT
Derby Field Airport Lovelock, in Nevada, USA— LOL
Safford Regional Airport in the USA — SAD
Gerald R. Ford International Airport in the USA — GRR
Butler Memorial Airport in the USA — BUM
Willow Airport in Alaska — WOW
Eek Airport in Alaska — EEK
Île Ouen Airport in New Caledonia — IOU
Omega Airport in Namibia — OMG
Arrachart Airport in Madagascar — DIE
Barra Airport in Scotland — BRR
Funafuti International Airport in Tuvalu — FUN
Yuma International Airport in Arizona — YUM
Gage Airport in Oklahoma — GAG
Frank País Airport in Cuba — HOG
Farnborough Airport in the UK — FAB
Indulkana Airport in Australia — IDK
Oodnadatta Airport in Australia — ODD