AEROMONK GUIDE

How Are Airport Codes Assigned?

Learn how airport identifiers are assigned and why some airport codes do not directly match the airport name.

Airport codes can sometimes appear obvious, while others seem unrelated to the airport's current name. Airport identifiers have developed over time and are subject to allocation systems and historical usage.

Why don't all codes match the airport name?

An airport may have changed its name, moved from an earlier location or retained an identifier that became established through long-term use.

IATA codes

IATA codes are generally three letters and are widely used throughout passenger travel systems.

ICAO codes

ICAO identifiers normally contain four letters and follow geographic and regional allocation conventions.

Historical codes

Established identifiers can remain in use even when circumstances surrounding an airport change. This is one reason that an airport code does not always correspond directly to its present-day name.