AEROMONK GUIDE

What Is an IATA Airport Code?

Learn what IATA airport codes are, how they are used and why airports such as Heathrow use three-letter identifiers.

An IATA airport code is a short identifier used to identify an airport in passenger travel and airline systems. IATA codes normally contain three letters.

Where are IATA codes used?

IATA codes are commonly found on airline tickets, baggage tags, flight searches, airport signs and travel websites.

For example, London Heathrow is identified by LHR, while New York John F. Kennedy International Airport uses JFK.

Why are IATA codes three letters?

Three-letter identifiers provide a compact way of identifying airports while remaining convenient for travel systems and passengers.

Can two airports have similar names?

Yes. Airport names can be similar, which is one reason that short identifiers are useful. Searching by airport code can provide a more precise way to identify a particular airport.

Finding an airport by IATA code

Aeromonk lets you search its airport directory by IATA code, ICAO code, airport name, city and country.