An ICAO code is a unique four-letter code used to identify airports and other aeronautical locations. ICAO stands for the International Civil Aviation Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations that establishes international standards and practices for civil aviation.
ICAO codes consist of four letters.
For example:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport: VABB
- Indira Gandhi International Airport: VIDP
- Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport: VILK
Is an ICAO Code Different from an IATA Code?
Yes. ICAO codes and IATA codes are different.
Generally, an IATA airport code has three letters, while an ICAO airport code has four letters.
For example:
| Airport | IATA Code | ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|
| Indira Gandhi International Airport | DEL | VIDP |
| Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport | BOM | VABB |
| Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport | LKO | VILK |
IATA codes are commonly seen by passengers on tickets, boarding passes, baggage tags and flight information, while ICAO codes are primarily used in aviation operations, flight planning, air traffic control and other professional aviation systems.
Can Two Airports Have the Same ICAO Code?
No.
ICAO codes are designed to uniquely identify airports and other aeronautical locations within the ICAO system, so the same ICAO code is not assigned to two different airports at the same time.
Do Air Travellers Need to Know the ICAO Code?
Usually, no.
For most airline passengers, knowing an airport’s ICAO code is not necessary. Passengers are much more likely to encounter the three-letter IATA code, such as DEL, BOM or LKO.
ICAO codes are more relevant to pilots, airlines, air traffic controllers, flight planners and other aviation professionals.