An IATA airport code, also known as an IATA location identifier, IATA station code, or simply a location identifier, is a three-letter geocode designating many airports and metropolitan areas around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Back then, airport codes consisted of a combination of two letters. However, as the number of airports increased and the aviation industry continued to advance, this method became impractical and difficult to manage. In the 1960s, IATA introduced the three-letter code system that we are familiar with today.

An IATA number (or IATA Numeric Code) is a unique seven-digit code assigned to IATA-certified travel agencies that want to distribute air tickets and/or gain industry recognition. In addition, an airline's own points of sale or sales offices also have an IATA number as a location identifier.

Airline Designator Codes Those companies assigned an IATA Airline Designator Code are to use such designators for reservations, schedules, timetables, telecommunications, ticketing, cargo documentation, legal, tariffs and/or other commercial/traffic purposes.