Guides

Airport code guides

Plain-language explainers on IATA and ICAO codes, how they are assigned, time zones, elevation, and more.

IATA vs ICAO Airport Codes: What’s the Difference?

IATA vs ICAO airport codes explained: 3-letter passenger codes vs 4-letter operational codes, who assigns them, where each is used, format rules, and examples.

How Are Airport Codes Assigned?

How airport codes are assigned: IATA three-letter codes from the International Air Transport Association, ICAO four-letter regional prefixes (K, RK, EG, RJ), explained.

The World’s Busiest Airports by Passenger Traffic

A ranked overview of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic, from Atlanta (ATL) and Dubai (DXB) to Tokyo (HND) and London Heathrow (LHR), with approximate figures.

What Do Airport Codes Mean? History and Origins

Why airport codes like ORD, MCO, and LAX exist: the history of IATA codes, from 2-letter weather-station roots to the 3-letter system used worldwide today.

Airport Time Zones Explained

Learn how airport time zones and UTC offsets work, why departure and arrival times are always local, and how to read offsets for red-eye flights and jet lag.

Airport Elevation: Why It Matters

Airport elevation explained: how height above sea level affects air density, takeoff and landing performance, and how pilots adjust for high-altitude airports.