AEROMONK GUIDE
IATA vs ICAO Airport Codes: What Is the Difference?
Learn the difference between IATA and ICAO airport codes, what they are used for and why airports can have two different identifiers.
Airports commonly have both an IATA code and an ICAO code. Although both identifiers identify airports, they serve different purposes and are used in different parts of the aviation industry.
What is an IATA airport code?
An IATA airport code is normally a three-letter identifier. These codes are widely used by passengers, airlines, travel websites, booking systems and baggage handling systems.
For example, London Heathrow uses the IATA code LHR. Travellers commonly see IATA codes on flight searches, tickets, baggage tags and airport departure information.
What is an ICAO airport code?
ICAO airport codes are normally four letters long and are primarily used within aviation operations.
London Heathrow, for example, has the ICAO identifier EGLL.
IATA vs ICAO
| Feature | IATA | ICAO |
|---|---|---|
| Typical length | 3 letters | 4 letters |
| Common users | Passengers and airlines | Aviation professionals |
| Common uses | Tickets, baggage and travel | Flight operations and planning |
Why does an airport have both?
The two identification systems were designed for different purposes. Separate identifiers allow airports to be represented consistently in passenger travel systems as well as aviation operational systems.
Aeromonk allows an airport to be found using either its IATA or ICAO identifier.