All about IATA codes

IATA codes are essential and ubiquitous in the airline industry. Each flight and airport has its own code, from which it can be immediately identified. These codes are standardized and recognized worldwide. This means that an IATA code will have the same meaning for everyone, making the processing of flight information considerably smoother and eliminating the possibility of misunderstandings. Whether you are a passenger looking for your flight, or a shipper wanting to keep track of your important shipment, IATA codes make it easy.

What is an IATA code?

IATA codes are unique codes assigned worldwide by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). These codes are designed to quickly and unambiguously identify flights, airports and airlines.
Airports are given a three-letter code, such as “AMS” for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Airlines are usually given a two-letter code, such as “KL” for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and “BA” for British Airways. These codes can be found on tickets, baggage tags, flight schedules and in booking systems.

The impact of IATA codes on aviation.

IATA codes are essential to the efficient operation of global aviation. The clear and standardized identification of airports and airlines provides clarity in such areas as:

• Flight Planning
• Booking Systems
• Baggage handling
• Tracking shipments

Without this uniform coding, we would be far more likely to experience confusion and operational errors, resulting in delays, missed flights, cargo not arriving or security problems.

How are IATA codes structured?

To understand how an IATA code for a flight is structured, distinguish between codes for passenger flights and for air cargo shipments.

Identification passenger flights

A passenger flight code is structured as follows: XX-XXXX. Here the first two characters represent the airline, for example KL for KLM, and the other characters (up to four) represent the unique flight number. So an example of an IATA code could be KL 1201. This code can be found on tickets, boarding passes and other travel documents, and you can use the code to quickly find the status of a flight, at the airport or online.

Also important: codes for air cargo shipments

For air cargo transport, the codes work differently. For all parties involved in a shipment, from shipper to carrier to consignee, the cargo must be clearly identifiable for efficient processing and for smooth and orderly administration. Therefore, air cargo shipments use special codes, such as the Air Waybill Number, which is found first and foremost on the air waybill. In addition, there are universal abbreviations for different types of freights. For example, dangerous cargo or goods that require special handling for some other reason, such as perishable or fragile items.

Examples of IATA codes

Identification airports

Each airport has its own IATA code, which allows for efficient and standardized recording of departures and arrivals. These codes consist of three letters, often an abbreviation of the airport’s name. For example, the IATA code for Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is “AMS,” for Rotterdam The Hague Airport it is “RTM,” and for London Heathrow it is “LHR. These are the official IATA airport codes of 20 of the world’s major airports.

Airlines codes

These are the IATA codes of 20 of the largest airlines.

Find IATA code

Looking for the IATA code of a specific airport or airline not listed above? Through IATA’ s search module, you can easily find the official code associated with it.

Handle your hazardous cargo properly and safely? Let Special Cargo help you

If you want a shipment of dangerous goods to be properly processed, handled and received from start to finish, you need to make sure it is properly labeled, packaged and documented.

However, this is not an easy task because you have to take into account many issues and rules. Especially in the case of dangerous goods, there are strict regulations you must comply with. Special Cargo Services can completely take care of this. We prepare your cargo for shipment in full compliance with IATA regulations. Our experienced staff knows exactly what needs to be done and we have all the required certifications.

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