IATA Code
Definition
An IATA code is a three-letter airport identifier assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These codes are primarily used for passenger-facing applications such as tickets, baggage tags, boarding passes, reservation systems, and travel itineraries. While not used in official air traffic control or flight planning, IATA codes are the most recognized airport codes by the general public.
Purpose
- Identify airports in airline reservation systems
- Label luggage and boarding passes for route routing
- Communicate travel data in a passenger-friendly format
- Serve as abbreviated references in schedules and ticketing platforms
IATA vs. ICAO Codes
| Feature | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 3 letters | 4 letters |
| Usage | Passenger systems, tickets, baggage | ATC, flight planning, weather, NOTAMs |
| Authority | IATA (commercial/airline sector) | ICAO (international aviation regulation) |
| Example | FRA (Frankfurt/Main) | EDDF |
| Common in | Airline apps, departure boards, travel sites | Cockpits, ATC systems, flight plans |
Structure of IATA Codes
- Often derived from the airport name (e.g., LAX for Los Angeles)
- May reflect city names or historical origins (e.g., ORD for Chicago OโHare, originally Orchard Field)
- In some cases, multiple airports in a city have distinct IATA codes (e.g., JFK, LGA, and EWR for New York City)
Examples of IATA vs. ICAO
| Airport | IATA | ICAO |
|---|---|---|
| Frankfurt/Main (Germany) | FRA | EDDF |
| Vienna (Austria) | VIE | LOWW |
| London Heathrow (UK) | LHR | EGLL |
| New York JFK (USA) | JFK | KJFK |
| Tokyo Haneda | HND | RJTT |
| Dubai Intl | DXB | OMDB |
Where IATA Codes Are Used
| Context | Example |
|---|---|
| Airline tickets | "Flight LH123 from FRA to VIE" |
| Baggage tags | Checked to DXB |
| Travel itineraries | Departing LAX, arriving JFK |
| Airport signage | Gate A17 โ LHR to CDG |
| Boarding passes and apps | IATA code shown prominently |
Limitations
- โ IATA codes are not valid for flight plan filing, ATC communication, or CPDLC
- โ Some IATA codes are ambiguous or reused across cargo and passenger airports
- โ Always use ICAO codes for all operational and safety-critical functions
Tips for Pilots and Aviation Staff
- โ Know both IATA and ICAO codes for major destinations
- โ Donโt enter IATA codes in flight management systems โ they wonโt work
- โ Use IATA codes for flight briefings with passengers, travel documents, and airport signage
- โ Learn and compare codes using LearnATCโs airport and FIR identification drills
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