When you travel by plane, you’ve likely noticed codes on your tickets, such as DEL-BOM for flights from Delhi to Mumbai. These are unique airport codes, and understanding them is essential for all travelers. The upcoming inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on September 30th, marked by the new code NMI, highlights the importance of these codes. Let’s explore the significance and assignment of these codes.
Inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) is expected on September 30th. The government had set several deadlines for the airport’s inauguration — January 1, January 31, March 31, and June 2025. Ultimately, in July of this year, the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister visited the airport site, finalizing the September 30th date.
These codes appear on your tickets and play a crucial role. They provide a unique identifier for airports worldwide, simplifying travel and communication. These codes are used on tickets, baggage tags, and other travel documents, and are used by air traffic controllers and pilots.
Two main organizations, ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), issue airport codes, but their codes differ. IATA provides three-letter codes (e.g., DEL), while ICAO provides four-letter codes (e.g., OEDF for Dammam/King Fahd International Airport). ICAO codes, known as location indicators, are used by pilots and air traffic controllers for charts, systems, and communications. IATA codes, also known as IATA location identifiers, are used to identify airports. IATA airport codes are often based on the first three letters of the city’s name, like DELHI for DEL.
Airport codes serve several purposes: Identification: They provide a unique identifier for each airport globally. Tickets and Boarding Passes: These codes are printed on tickets, boarding passes, and luggage tags. Pilot and Air Traffic Control: Pilots and air traffic controllers use these codes for charts, systems, and communication. International Standards: A standardized system across the globe facilitates easy connectivity between airports. Speed and Ease of Information: Short codes are easier and faster to use than full airport names.
There was a controversy over the GAY airport code. The code for Gaya, Bihar, is GAY, which caused controversy. A BJP MP raised concerns in Parliament, suggesting that the code was socially and culturally inappropriate. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation responded that IATA codes are permanent and only changed under exceptional circumstances, usually related to air safety. They also noted that codes are usually based on the first three letters of the airport’s location. The IATA clarified that, according to its rules, codes can only be changed in extraordinary circumstances.
Examples of Airport Codes:
Mumbai: BOM (Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport)
Kolkata: CCU (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport)
Chennai: MAA (Chennai International Airport)
Delhi: DEL (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
Bengaluru: BLR (Kempegowda International Airport)
Hydrabad: HYD (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport)
Ahmedabad: AMD (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport)
Jaipur: JAI (Jaipur International Airport)
Patna: PAT (Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport)
Srinagar: SXR (Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport)
