Important Facts For Prelims
Airport Codes
- 03 Oct 2023
- 3 min read
Why in News?
The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar was recently awarded its own unique international three-letter code, 'DXN', by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
- 'D' signifies Delhi, 'N' represents Noida, and 'X' symbolizes connectivity to the globe.
What are Airport Codes?
- About:
- Airport codes serve as distinctive identifiers for airports worldwide. These codes are essential for a seamless travel experience and are used in various contexts, from tickets and boarding passes to airport signage.
- Types:
- Each airport actually has two unique codes: one assigned by IATA and another by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a branch of the United Nations. These codes have distinct purposes:
- IATA Codes (Three-Digit Codes):
- Created in the 1960s to standardize airport identification.
- Used for passenger-facing operations.
- Appear on tickets, boarding passes, signage, and other consumer-related materials.
- Examples include DEL for Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) and BOM for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (Mumbai).
- ICAO Codes (Four-Digit Codes):
- Utilized by industry professionals such as pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport planners.
- Facilitate precise communication in aviation.
- Examples include VIDP for Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi).
- IATA Codes (Three-Digit Codes):
- Each airport actually has two unique codes: one assigned by IATA and another by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a branch of the United Nations. These codes have distinct purposes:
International Air Transport Association
- IATA is the trade association for the world’s airlines, representing some 300 airlines or 83% of total air traffic.
- It was founded in Havana, Cuba, in April 1945.
- Head Office: Montreal, Canada.
International Civil Aviation Organization
- In 1944, 54 nations came together to draft the Convention on International Civil Aviation, also known as the 'Chicago Convention.'
- ICAO came into being on 4th April 1947. In October 1947, ICAO became a specialized agency of the United Nations linked to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
- India is one of the ICAO's founder members, having attended the Chicago Conference in 1944
- ICAO is dedicated to developing safe and efficient international air transport for peaceful purposes and ensuring a reasonable opportunity for every state to operate international airlines.
- Headquarter: Montreal, Canada
