Airport codes are shorthand for airports. They help travelers, pilots, and air traffic controllers identify airports. They are also used in aviation-related contexts, like flight schedules, baggage tags, and weather reports. While some airport codes are short abbreviations of a city's name, others are downright quirky and amusing.
These codes lead to fun travel trivia and jokes. Let's explore some of the funniest airport codes and the stories behind them.
APC/ Shuttertstock | Airport codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)
LAX - Los Angeles International Airport, USA
LAX is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers every year. Its code is a nod to its location in Los Angeles, with the "X" added to make it sound more exciting. The airport was initially known as Mines Field and was a military base before becoming a commercial airport.
GUM - Guam International Airport, USA
Guam International Airport, located on the island of Guam, has a code that is a little unusual. The airport's code, GUM, was derived from the airport's original name, Guam International Airport, and its location on the island of Guam.
DUD - Dunedin International Airport, New Zealand
Dunedin International Airport, located on New Zealand's South Island, has a code that will make you smile. The airport's code, DUD, was created using the first three letters of "Dunedin." While it may sound like an insult, the airport is a vital link for the region's people.
JONATHANSLOANE/ GETTY IMAGES | The first letter of an airport code usually corresponds to the first letter of the city's name
FUK - Fukuoka Airport, Japan
Fukuoka Airport, located in the city of Fukuoka in Japan, has a code that sounds like profanity. However, it is merely an abbreviation of the airport's original name, Fukuoka City Airport. In Japanese, the airport is pronounced "fukuoka kuukou," which doesn't sound as funny.
EWR - Newark Liberty International Airport, USA
Newark Liberty International Airport, located in New Jersey, USA, has a code that may confuse travelers. The airport's code, EWR, was created using the first two letters of Newark and the final letter of the airport's original name, Newark Metropolitan Airport. It may be a bit of a mouthful, but the airport is an important hub for travel to the New York metropolitan area.
WOW - Willow Run Airport, USA
Willow Run Airport, located in Michigan, USA, has a code that sounds like an exclamation of surprise. The airport's code, WOW, was created by combining the first two letters of "Willow" and the last letter of "Run." While the airport may not be as well-known as other airports, it is an important facility for general aviation and cargo traffic.
Now/ Pinterest | Some airport codes are reused for different airports in different countries
BRR - Barra Airport, Scotland
Barra Airport, located on the island of Barra in Scotland, has a code that may seem like an abbreviation for "burrito." However, it was created using the first three letters of Barra's name. What makes this airport unique is that it has the only runway in the world that is, in fact, a BEACH! The tides dictate the airport's schedule, making for a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience.
ORD - Chicago O'Hare International Airport, USA
Chicago O'Hare International Airport, located in Illinois, USA, has a code that seems to misspell the word "horde." However, it is merely an abbreviation of the airport's former name, Orchard Field Airport. The "O'Hare" in the airport's name comes from the word of the man who owned the land where the airport was built.
BAD - Barksdale Air Force Base, USA
Barksdale Air Force Base, located in Louisiana, USA, has a code that warns travelers to stay away. However, it was created using the first three letters of the nearby city of Bossier. The base is home to the United States Air Force's Global Strike Command and is vital to the country's defense infrastructure.
