Airport Codes
Airport codes are unique identifiers assigned to airports worldwide, primarily in two forms: the three-letter IATA code used for passenger services like ticketing and baggage handling, and the four-letter ICAO code used for air traffic control and flight planning.
Types of Airport Codes
| Type | Format | Used by | Example (London Heathrow) |
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA (International Air Transport Association) | Three-letter | Airlines, travel agents, public, baggage handling | LHR |
| ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) | Four-letter | Pilots, air traffic control, airline operations | EGLL |
Common IATA Codes
Many airport codes are formed from the first three letters of the city or airport name (e.g., ATL for Atlanta, BOS for Boston, DEN for Denver). However, there are many exceptions:
| Airport Name | IATA Code | City / Location |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport | ATL | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Beijing Capital International Airport | PEK | Beijing, China |
| Dubai International Airport | DXB | Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport | IAH | Houston, Texas, USA |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | JFK | New York, USA |
| Los Angeles International Airport | LAX | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Orlando International Airport | MCO | Orlando, Florida, USA |
| Charles de Gaulle Airpor | CDG | Paris, France |
| San Francisco International Airport | SFO | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Seattle-Tacoma International Airport | SEA | Seattle, Washington, USA |
| Tokyo Haneda Airport | HND | Tokyo, Japan |