ICAO airport code

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ICAO airport code refers to a four-letter alphanumeric code designating each airport around the world. These codes are defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and are used for air traffic control and airline operations such as flight planning. ICAO codes are different from IATA airport codes, which are more commonly used by the general public for booking flights, luggage tags, and timetables.

Overview

ICAO airport codes are used primarily by pilots, air traffic control, and airline operations. These codes are part of a comprehensive system established by the ICAO to promote international flight operations' safety and efficiency. Each code is unique and provides information about the specific airport, including its location.

Structure

The structure of the ICAO airport code is geographically oriented. The first letter represents the region of the world the airport is located in. The second letter generally represents the country within that region. The third and fourth letters are used to identify the specific airport. For example, KJFK is the ICAO code for John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, United States, where 'K' is the indicator for the United States, and 'JFK' is an abbreviation for the airport's name.

Usage

ICAO codes are essential for various aspects of air travel, including flight planning, air traffic control, and airline operations. They are used in flight plans to identify departure and destination airports, and by air traffic control to coordinate flights globally. Unlike IATA codes, which are often based on abbreviations of the airport's name and can be similar for different airports, ICAO codes are designed to be unique and unambiguous.

Differences from IATA Codes

While ICAO codes are four letters long, IATA airport codes consist of three letters. IATA codes are designed for the general public and are used for ticketing, timetables, and baggage tags. In contrast, ICAO codes are used within the aviation industry for operations and air traffic control.

Examples

- KJFK - John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States - EGLL - London Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom - YSSY - Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport, Sydney, Australia - CYYZ - Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto, Canada

See Also

- International Civil Aviation Organization - IATA airport code - Airport - Air traffic control - Flight planning