Which statement correctly describes the difference between IATA and ICAO airport codes?

• A. IATA codes are three-letter codes used by airlines and passengers; ICAO codes are four-letter codes used for air traffic control and flight operations.
• B. IATA are four-letter codes used for flight planning; ICAO are three-letter codes used by passengers.
• C. IATA codes identify airports globally; ICAO codes identify aircraft types.
• D. IATA codes are numeric; ICAO codes are alphanumeric.

Answer: (A)

Two separate airport code systems exist. IATA codes are three-letter codes used mainly by airlines, travel agents, tickets, baggage tags, and passengers to identify airports in everyday travel communications. They’re designed to be short and easy to remember, like LAX for Los Angeles or JFK for New York’s airport. ICAO codes are four-letter codes used for air traffic control, flight planning, and other aviation operations, providing a precise, globally consistent identifier in navigation databases and communications. A concrete example shows the difference: the IATA code for Los Angeles is LAX, while the ICAO code is KLAX. The same pattern applies to other airports, such as JFK (IATA) and KJFK (ICAO).