Glossary
Airport Codes & Classification
Airport Identifier
Definition
A unique code used to identify an airport, which may be an IATA code, ICAO code, FAA LID, or local identifier depending on the context and region.
Related Terms
IATA Code
A three-letter alphanumeric code assigned by the International Air Transport Association to identify airports worldwide. Used on boarding passes, luggage tags, and flight bookings (e.g., JFK, LAX, ICN).
ICAO Code
A four-letter code assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization to identify airports, used primarily in flight plans and air traffic control (e.g., KJFK, KLAX, RKSI).
FAA LID
A location identifier assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration to airports in the United States. Often identical to the IATA code but can differ for smaller airports.