Airline Codes List

Complete IATA & ICAO Airline Codes Guide for Aviation & Travel Professionals

If you have ever looked at an airline ticket, boarding pass, baggage tag, or flight booking, you may have noticed short codes such as AI, EK, 6E, QR, or BA. These are known as airline codes, and they are one of the most important identification systems used in the aviation industry. If you are searching for a comprehensive Airline Codes List, this guide will help you understand how these codes are used.

Airline codes help airlines, airports, travel agencies, and Global Distribution Systems (GDS) identify carriers quickly and accurately. Whether you are booking a flight from Delhi to Dubai, checking a passenger’s itinerary, or working in an airline reservation office, airline codes are used in almost every step of the travel process.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn:

• What airline codes are.
• The difference between IATA and ICAO airline codes.
• Why airline codes are important.
• How airline codes are assigned.
• Real booking examples.
• Airline code formats.
• How airline codes are used in GDS systems such as Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre.
• Common mistakes beginners make while learning airline codes.

This article is designed for students, travel agents, air ticketing professionals, GDS learners, and anyone preparing for a career in aviation and travel.

What Are Airline Codes?

An airline code is a unique identifier assigned to an airline for operational, commercial, and reservation purposes.

There are two main types of airline codes:

• IATA Airline Codes (usually 2 characters)
• ICAO Airline Codes (usually 3 letters)

These codes are used worldwide to ensure standardized communication between airlines, airports, reservation systems, and air traffic control authorities.

For example:

Airline	IATA	ICAO
Air India	AI	AIC
Emirates	EK	UAE
IndiGo	6E	IGO
Qatar Airways	QR	QTR
British Airways	BA	BAW

What Is the Difference Between IATA and ICAO Airline Codes?

This is one of the most common questions asked by aviation students.

IATA Airline Codes

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns two-character airline designator codes.

These codes are used for:

• Flight bookings
• Airline tickets
• Boarding passes
• Baggage tags
• GDS systems
• Passenger itineraries
• Travel agency operations

Examples

• AI – Air India
• EK – Emirates
• QR – Qatar Airways
• BA – British Airways
• SQ – Singapore Airlines

When you see a flight number such as AI302 or EK511, the first part is the IATA airline code.

ICAO Airline Codes

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assigns three-letter airline codes.

These codes are mainly used for:

• Air traffic control
• Flight operations
• Flight plans
• Operational communication
• Aviation authorities
• Pilot dispatch systems

Examples

• AIC – Air India
• UAE – Emirates
• QTR – Qatar Airways
• BAW – British Airways
• SIA – Singapore Airlines

Passengers rarely see ICAO codes, but pilots and air traffic controllers use them regularly.

IATA vs ICAO: Quick Comparison

Feature	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Code Length	2 characters	3 letters
Assigned By	IATA	ICAO
Used By	Passengers & travel agencies	Pilots & ATC
Appears on Tickets	Yes	No
Used in GDS	Yes	Limited
Example	EK	UAE

Why Are Airline Codes Important?

Airline codes make global aviation operations possible.

Without standardized airline identifiers, reservation systems would struggle to process millions of bookings accurately every day.

Airline codes help in:

• Identifying airlines quickly.
• Reducing booking errors.
• Managing flight schedules.
• Processing baggage.
• Creating Passenger Name Records (PNRs).
• Issuing tickets.
• Coordinating airport operations.
• Supporting air traffic control communication.
• Enabling GDS reservations.
• Tracking airline performance.

For travel professionals, knowing airline codes is as important as knowing airport codes.

How Are Airline Codes Assigned?

IATA Code Assignment

IATA assigns airline codes based on:

• Airline name availability.
• Existing code usage.
• Commercial considerations.
• Global uniqueness.
• System compatibility.

Some codes are easy to understand:

• BA → British Airways
• EK → Emirates
• QR → Qatar Airways

Others may seem unusual:

• 6E → IndiGo
• 9W → Jet Airways (historical)
• SG → SpiceJet

ICAO Code Assignment

ICAO codes are usually derived from the airline’s name or operational identity.

Examples:

• AIC → Air India
• IGO → IndiGo
• QTR → Qatar Airways
• BAW → British Airways
• SIA → Singapore Airlines

ICAO also assigns a radio callsign used by pilots and air traffic control.

For example:

• Emirates → EMIRATES
• British Airways → SPEEDBIRD
• Air India → AIR INDIA

Understanding Flight Numbers

A flight number consists of:

EK 511

EK

Airline code

511

Flight number

Examples

• AI302 → Air India flight 302
• EK511 → Emirates flight 511
• 6E202 → IndiGo flight 202
• QR570 → Qatar Airways flight 570
• BA142 → British Airways flight 142

Travel agents use these codes daily while creating reservations and issuing tickets.

Real Booking Example

Imagine a passenger wants to travel:

• From: Delhi (DEL)
• To: Dubai (DXB)
• Airline: Emirates
• Flight: EK511

In the reservation system, the booking may appear as:

EK511 DELDXB 15SEP

Here:

• EK = Emirates (IATA airline code)
• 511 = Flight number
• DEL = Delhi airport code
• DXB = Dubai airport code
• 15SEP = Travel date

This is the format commonly used in GDS systems such as Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre.

Airline Code Format Explained

Alphabetic Codes

Most airlines use two letters.

Examples:

• AI – Air India
• EK – Emirates
• BA – British Airways
• SQ – Singapore Airlines

Alphanumeric Codes

Some airlines use a combination of numbers and letters.

Examples:

• 6E – IndiGo
• 9W – Jet Airways (historical)
• 8M – Myanmar Airways

These are still valid IATA airline codes.

Why Some Airline Codes Don’t Match the Airline Name

Beginners often wonder why Emirates uses EK instead of EM.

This happens because:

• Many code combinations are already assigned.
• IATA codes must be unique worldwide.
• Historical assignments are often retained.
• Airlines may keep existing codes for brand continuity.

For example:

• Emirates → EK
• Lufthansa → LH
• Air France → AF
• Cathay Pacific → CX

This is completely normal in aviation.

Airline Codes Used Most Frequently in Air Ticketing

These are some of the airline codes every travel professional should memorize first:

Airline	IATA
Air India	AI
IndiGo	6E
Emirates	EK
Qatar Airways	QR
Etihad Airways	EY
British Airways	BA
Singapore Airlines	SQ
Lufthansa	LH
Thai Airways	TG
Turkish Airlines	TK

Memorizing these codes will help you work faster in reservation systems and improve your confidence during interviews and practical training.

Airline Codes vs Airport Codes

Many students confuse airline codes with airport codes.

Type	Example	Represents
Airline Code	EK	Emirates
Airport Code	DXB	Dubai Airport
Airline Code	AI	Air India
Airport Code	DEL	Delhi Airport

Example

AI302 DEL-BOM

• AI = Air India
• DEL = Delhi
• BOM = Mumbai

Understanding this difference is essential for air ticketing and GDS operations.

Why Travel Agents Must Learn Airline Codes

Professional travel consultants use airline codes every day while:

• Searching flight availability
• Creating PNRs
• Issuing tickets
• Reading fare rules
• Processing refunds
• Reissuing tickets
• Managing corporate travel
• Handling international reservations

Knowing airline codes improves:

• Booking speed
• Accuracy
• Communication
• Customer service
• Interview performance
• GDS efficiency

This is why airline codes are taught in Air Ticketing, Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre training programs.

Complete Airline Codes List: IATA & ICAO Airline Codes by Region

One of the most important skills for anyone working in air ticketing, airline reservations, GDS operations, or travel agency management is the ability to identify airlines quickly using their IATA and ICAO codes.

This section provides a practical reference list of some of the world’s most recognized airlines. While hundreds of airlines operate globally, the following codes are among the most commonly encountered by travel professionals.

Tip for Students: Focus on memorizing the IATA codes first, as these are the codes you will use most often in Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, and other GDS platforms.

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Indian Airlines Codes List

India has one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. These airline codes are frequently used by travel agencies and airline reservation professionals.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Air India	AI	AIC
IndiGo	6E	IGO
Akasa Air	QP	AKJ
SpiceJet	SG	SEJ
Alliance Air	9I	LLR
Air India Express	IX	AXB
Star Air	S5	SDG
Fly91	IC	FIE*

Note: Always verify newer airline codes with the latest official airline or GDS data, as operational details may change over time.

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Middle East Airline Codes List

The Middle East is home to several globally recognized airlines serving major international routes.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Emirates	EK	UAE
Qatar Airways	QR	QTR
Etihad Airways	EY	ETD
Flydubai	FZ	FDB
Air Arabia	G9	ABY
Oman Air	WY	OMA
Gulf Air	GF	GFA
Saudia	SV	SVA
Kuwait Airways	KU	KAC
Royal Jordanian	RJ	RJA

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European Airline Codes List

Europe has an extensive airline network connecting destinations across the world.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
British Airways	BA	BAW
Lufthansa	LH	DLH
Air France	AF	AFR
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	KL	KLM
SWISS	LX	SWR
Austrian Airlines	OS	AUA
Finnair	AY	FIN
Iberia	IB	IBE
Virgin Atlantic	VS	VIR
Turkish Airlines	TK	THY

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Asian Airline Codes List

Asia is one of the busiest aviation regions, with airlines connecting millions of passengers each year.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Singapore Airlines	SQ	SIA
Cathay Pacific	CX	CPA
Malaysia Airlines	MH	MAS
Thai Airways	TG	THA
Japan Airlines	JL	JAL
All Nippon Airways (ANA)	NH	ANA
Korean Air	KE	KAL
Asiana Airlines	OZ	AAR
EVA Air	BR	EVA
China Airlines	CI	CAL

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North American Airline Codes List

North America is home to some of the world’s largest airlines.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
American Airlines	AA	AAL
Delta Air Lines	DL	DAL
United Airlines	UA	UAL
Southwest Airlines	WN	SWA
Alaska Airlines	AS	ASA
JetBlue Airways	B6	JBU
Air Canada	AC	ACA
WestJet	WS	WJA
Hawaiian Airlines	HA	HAL
Spirit Airlines	NK	NKS

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African Airline Codes List

African carriers play a key role in connecting destinations across Africa and beyond.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Ethiopian Airlines	ET	ETH
Kenya Airways	KQ	KQA
EgyptAir	MS	MSR
South African Airways	SA	SAA
RwandAir	WB	RWD
Air Tanzania	TC	ATC
Royal Air Maroc	AT	RAM
Air Mauritius	MK	MAU
TAAG Angola Airlines	DT	DTA
Uganda Airlines	UR	UGD

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Oceania Airline Codes List

Airlines from Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.

Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
Qantas	QF	QFA
Virgin Australia	VA	VOZ
Air New Zealand	NZ	ANZ
Jetstar Airways	JQ	JST
Fiji Airways	FJ	FJI

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Popular Low-Cost Airline Codes

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are widely used by leisure and budget travelers.

Airline	IATA Code
IndiGo	6E
SpiceJet	SG
Air India Express	IX
Flydubai	FZ
Air Arabia	G9
Southwest Airlines	WN
Ryanair	FR
easyJet	U2
Jetstar Airways	JQ
Scoot	TR

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Major Cargo Airline Codes

Cargo airlines transport goods, medical supplies, e-commerce shipments, and industrial freight across the globe.

Cargo Airline	IATA Code	ICAO Code
FedEx Express	FX	FDX
UPS Airlines	5X	UPS
DHL Air	QY	BCS
Cargolux	CV	CLX
Emirates SkyCargo	EK	UAE
Qatar Airways Cargo	QR	QTR

Cargo operations are managed by the airline’s cargo division but generally use the parent airline’s designator.

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Airline Alliances

Many airlines belong to global alliances that enable passengers to access wider route networks, coordinated schedules, and shared loyalty benefits.

Star Alliance

Some member airlines include:

• Air India
• Lufthansa
• Singapore Airlines
• Turkish Airlines
• Air Canada
• ANA
• SWISS
• Austrian Airlines
• Ethiopian Airlines
• United Airlines

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oneworld

Major members include:

• British Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• Japan Airlines
• Qantas
• American Airlines
• Finnair
• Iberia
• Malaysia Airlines

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SkyTeam

Prominent members include:

• Air France
• KLM
• Delta Air Lines
• Korean Air
• Vietnam Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia
• XiamenAir

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Most Common Airline Codes Every Air Ticketing Student Should Know

If you’re beginning your career in aviation or travel, these are among the first airline codes you should learn:

Airline	Code
Air India	AI
IndiGo	6E
Emirates	EK
Qatar Airways	QR
Etihad Airways	EY
British Airways	BA
Singapore Airlines	SQ
Lufthansa	LH
Turkish Airlines	TK
Air France	AF
KLM	KL
American Airlines	AA
Delta Air Lines	DL
United Airlines	UA
Ethiopian Airlines	ET

Memorizing these codes will help you work more efficiently during reservations and improve your confidence during interviews.

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How to Memorize Airline Codes Faster

Learning airline codes becomes easier when you use practical techniques.

1. Start with Indian Airlines

Master the airlines you are most likely to encounter first.

Examples:

• AI – Air India
• 6E – IndiGo
• SG – SpiceJet
• IX – Air India Express

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2. Learn by Region

Group airlines by geographical area:

• India
• Middle East
• Europe
• Asia
• North America
• Africa

This improves long-term recall.

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3. Practice in GDS

During practical sessions in Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre, you’ll repeatedly enter airline codes while searching availability and creating bookings. Regular practice reinforces memory.

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4. Create Flashcards

Write the airline name on one side and the IATA code on the other. Review them daily until you can recognize them instantly.

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5. Use Real Flight Numbers

Instead of memorizing codes in isolation, associate them with flight numbers:

• AI302
• EK511
• QR570
• BA142
• SQ406

This reflects how you’ll encounter airline codes in real booking environments.

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Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

• Confusing airline codes with airport codes
• Mixing IATA and ICAO codes
• Assuming every airline code matches the airline’s initials
• Forgetting that some IATA codes include numbers (e.g., 6E)
• Memorizing codes without understanding how they’re used in reservations

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How Airline Codes Are Used in GDS (Global Distribution Systems)

Understanding airline codes is essential for anyone working with Amadeus, Galileo, Sabre, or Travelport. Every reservation created through a Global Distribution System (GDS) uses airline codes to identify the operating or marketing carrier.

When a travel consultant searches for flights, the GDS displays results with airline codes followed by the flight number.

Example

Flight	Meaning
AI 302	Air India Flight 302
EK 511	Emirates Flight 511
QR 570	Qatar Airways Flight 570
6E 205	IndiGo Flight 205
BA 142	British Airways Flight 142

Without airline codes, reservation systems would not be able to distinguish between thousands of daily flights operated by different airlines.

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Airline Codes in Air Ticketing

Airline codes appear throughout the air ticketing process.

You will commonly find them on:

• Flight itineraries
• Electronic tickets (E-Tickets)
• Boarding passes
• Reservation confirmations
• Baggage tags
• Flight status displays
• Passenger Name Records (PNRs)
• Fare calculations
• Refund and reissue records

This is why airline codes are among the first topics taught in professional Air Ticketing and GDS training programs.

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Airline Codes in Passenger Name Records (PNRs)

A Passenger Name Record (PNR) contains important information about a travel booking.

A typical PNR includes:

• Passenger name
• Airline code
• Flight number
• Departure airport
• Arrival airport
• Date of travel
• Cabin class
• Ticket status
• Contact information

Example

Field	Example
Passenger	Rahul Sharma
Airline	EK
Flight	EK511
From	DEL
To	DXB
Date	15 SEP
Class	Economy

Here:

• EK = Emirates
• DEL = Delhi
• DXB = Dubai

This standardized format allows travel professionals around the world to interpret bookings consistently.

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Airline Codes on E-Tickets

Every electronic airline ticket includes the airline code as part of the flight details.

Example

Flight: AI302

This indicates:

• AI = Air India
• 302 = Flight Number

If a passenger is traveling on multiple airlines, the itinerary will display the relevant airline code for each flight segment.

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Airline Codes on Boarding Passes

Boarding passes also display airline codes alongside the flight number.

Example:

QR570

This means:

• QR = Qatar Airways
• 570 = Flight Number

Airport staff use this information during check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

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Airline Ticket Prefix Codes

Apart from airline designator codes, airlines are also assigned three-digit ticket prefix numbers used in ticket numbering.

A ticket number generally follows this format:

XXX-1234567890

Example:

098-1234567890

• 098 = Air India ticket prefix
• Remaining digits = Individual ticket number

Ticket prefixes help identify the airline that issued the ticket, even when the itinerary includes flights operated by multiple carriers.

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Difference Between Airline Codes and Ticket Prefix Codes

Many beginners confuse these two concepts.

Airline Code	Ticket Prefix
Identifies the airline in reservations	Identifies the airline that issued the ticket
Usually 2-character IATA code	Three-digit numeric prefix
Example: EK	Example: 176*
Used in GDS searches and flight numbers	Used in ticket numbers and accounting

Ticket prefix examples can change over time. Always refer to current airline or industry documentation when working with ticketing systems.

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How Travel Agents Use Airline Codes Every Day

Professional travel consultants use airline codes throughout their daily workflow.

Typical tasks include:

• Searching flight availability
• Creating Passenger Name Records (PNRs)
• Booking domestic flights
• Booking international flights
• Reissuing tickets
• Processing refunds
• Checking fare rules
• Managing itinerary changes
• Assisting customers during travel disruptions

Recognizing airline codes quickly improves efficiency and reduces booking errors.

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Why Airline Codes Matter in International Travel

International travel often involves:

• Connecting flights
• Codeshare agreements
• Multiple airlines
• Different countries
• Various airport hubs

Airline codes provide a standardized way to identify carriers across global reservation systems, making coordination easier for airlines, airports, and travel professionals.

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Tips for Memorizing Airline Codes

Learning airline codes becomes much easier when you practice regularly.

Focus on Major Airlines First

Start with frequently used airlines such as:

• AI – Air India
• 6E – IndiGo
• EK – Emirates
• QR – Qatar Airways
• EY – Etihad Airways
• SQ – Singapore Airlines
• BA – British Airways
• LH – Lufthansa
• TK – Turkish Airlines
• AF – Air France

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Learn Alongside Airport Codes

Practice combinations such as:

• AI302 – DEL to BOM
• EK511 – DEL to DXB
• QR570 – DEL to DOH
• SQ403 – DEL to SIN

This reflects real booking scenarios and improves retention.

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Practice in GDS

The more you use airline codes while working in Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre, the more familiar they become.

Hands-on practice is one of the most effective ways to build confidence.

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Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Avoid these frequent errors:

Confusing Airline Codes with Airport Codes

• AI = Air India (Airline)
• DEL = Delhi (Airport)

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Assuming Airline Codes Always Match the Airline Name

Not every code is an obvious abbreviation.

Examples:

• Emirates = EK
• Cathay Pacific = CX
• Lufthansa = LH

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Ignoring Numeric Airline Codes

Some IATA airline codes include numbers.

Examples:

• 6E – IndiGo
• 9I – Alliance Air

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Memorizing Without Context

Instead of learning codes in isolation, use them in sample itineraries and booking exercises.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are airline codes?

Airline codes are standardized identifiers assigned to airlines for use in reservations, ticketing, flight operations, and other aviation processes.

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What is the difference between IATA and ICAO airline codes?

IATA codes are primarily used in commercial activities such as reservations and ticketing, while ICAO codes are mainly used for operational purposes, including flight planning and air traffic control.

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How many characters are in an IATA airline code?

Most IATA airline designator codes consist of two alphanumeric characters.

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Are airline codes the same as airport codes?

No. Airline codes identify airlines, while airport codes identify airports.

Example:

• EK = Emirates
• DXB = Dubai International Airport

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Why do some airline codes contain numbers?

IATA assigns unique alphanumeric codes. When suitable letter combinations are unavailable, numbers may be included.

Example:

• 6E – IndiGo

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Do airline codes change?

In some cases, airline codes may change due to mergers, rebranding, or operational changes. Travel professionals should always rely on current industry information.

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Why should travel professionals learn airline codes?

Knowing airline codes improves booking accuracy, speeds up reservation work, and helps professionals navigate GDS systems more effectively.

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Career Opportunities After Learning Airline Codes

Understanding airline codes is a foundational skill for many aviation and travel careers.

It supports roles such as:

• Air Ticketing Executive
• Reservation Executive
• Travel Consultant
• Airline Customer Service Executive
• Corporate Travel Consultant
• Tour Operations Executive
• Airport Services Executive
• GDS Executive
• Visa Processing Executive
• Travel Agency Operations Executive

When combined with practical GDS and air ticketing training, this knowledge can strengthen your preparation for interviews and day-to-day responsibilities.

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Final Thoughts

Airline codes are much more than simple abbreviations; they are an essential part of the global aviation system.

From reservations and ticketing to airport operations and international travel, standardized airline codes enable smooth communication across airlines, travel agencies, airports, and technology platforms.

Whether you’re beginning an aviation career, preparing for a travel industry role, or planning to start your own travel agency, understanding airline codes provides a strong foundation for learning more advanced concepts such as GDS operations, fare rules, and airline reservations.

Mastering airline codes alongside airport codes and reservation workflows will help you work more confidently and efficiently in the travel industry.

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