Do all airports have three-letter codes?

Beyond the Boarding Pass: Unraveling the Mystery of Airport Codes

We’ve all seen them emblazoned on our boarding passes and luggage tags: those seemingly random three-letter codes that represent the world’s airports. JFK, LHR, LAX – they’re ubiquitous and instantly recognizable. But have you ever stopped to wonder if every airport has one? And if so, who decides what they are? The answer, as often is the case with aviation, is more nuanced than you might think.

While the short, easy answer is “mostly, yes,” a deeper dive reveals a layered system of airport identification. At the heart of this system lie two key organizations: the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The Reign of the IATA Code:

The IATA, responsible for facilitating cooperation among airlines, is the primary body behind the three-letter airport codes most familiar to the public. These codes, officially known as IATA location identifiers, are designed for ease of use in passenger-facing systems, booking platforms, and baggage handling. Think of them as the shorthand of the aviation world.

Why three letters? Simply put, it’s a practical solution that provides enough unique combinations to cover a significant number of airports globally. The IATA strives to assign codes that are intuitive and memorable, often reflecting the airport’s name or location. For example, ATL represents Atlanta, ORD signifies Chicago O’Hare, and CDG corresponds to Paris Charles de Gaulle.

However, assigning these codes isn’t always straightforward. Occasionally, the most obvious choice is already taken. This leads to some creative and occasionally obscure choices. For instance, Orlando’s airport code is MCO, derived from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base.

The ICAO’s Complementary System:

While the IATA caters to passenger-facing operations, the ICAO focuses on air traffic control and operational efficiency. The ICAO assigns four-letter codes, known as location indicators, to airports around the world. These codes are used in flight planning, air traffic control communication, and aeronautical charts.

ICAO codes often reflect the airport’s region and country. For example, airports in the United States typically begin with “K” (like KJFK for John F. Kennedy International Airport), while those in Canada start with “C” (like CYYZ for Toronto Pearson International Airport).

Do All Airports Have These Codes?

Here’s where the “mostly” comes in. While the vast majority of commercial airports used for scheduled passenger flights have both IATA and ICAO codes, smaller, private airfields or those used primarily for general aviation may only have an ICAO code, or even neither. This is particularly true for very small or remote landing strips that don’t handle scheduled commercial traffic.

Furthermore, not every airport necessarily needs both codes. An airport might choose to forego an IATA code if it doesn’t participate in the global airline network or handle significant passenger traffic.

The Bottom Line:

So, while it’s generally true that airports have three-letter codes, the reality is a bit more complex. The IATA’s three-letter codes are the most widely recognized, used for passenger convenience. However, the ICAO’s four-letter codes are essential for air traffic control and operational purposes. The presence and type of code ultimately depend on the airport’s size, function, and participation in the global aviation ecosystem. The next time you see those seemingly random letters on your boarding pass, remember that they represent a carefully constructed system that ensures safe and efficient travel around the world.