India: Bhim Singh, a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar, has sought the changing of the three-letter code of the Gaya International Airport – GAY – calling it “uncomfortable”. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP has sought a “more respectful and culturally appropriate code”, his remarks have drawn the ire of the LGBTQ community.
Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said the three-letter airport codes once assigned are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns.
In India, three-letter airport codes, known as IATA codes, are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
These codes are not assigned by the Indian government or any Indian authority. IATA assigns codes worldwide to identify airports uniquely and simplify airline operations, ticketing, baggage handling, and logistics.
These codes are printed on luggage tags to ensure bags are routed correctly. Mislabeling could send bags to the wrong destination, so these codes reduce errors.
Airport codes appear on boarding passes, tickets, itineraries, and e-tickets. They help travelers quickly understand their route and transfers.
These codes are used in departure/arrival boards, airline websites and apps, flight-tracking software, air traffic management interfaces.
Many airport have a funny code, Take a look at the list.
SUX (Sioux Gateway, USA)
PEE (Perm, Russia)
POO (Pocos De Caldas, Brazil)
FAT (Fresno Yosemite, USA)
LOL (Derby Field, USA)
OMG (Omega, Namibia)
DIE (Arrachart, Madagascar)
BUM (Butler Memorial, USA)
EEK (Eek, Alaska)
BRR (Barra, Scotland)
FUN (Funafuti, Tuvalu)
YUM (Yuma, Arizona)
GAG (Gage, Oklahoma)
HOG (Frank Pais, Cuba)
GRR (Grand Rapids, USA)
CAT (Cascais Municipal, Portugal)
DAD (Da Nang, Vietnam)
WOW (Willow, Alaska)
BOO (Bodo, Norway)
IOU (Île Ouen, New Caledonia)
SAD (Safford, USA)
