How the Weirdest Airport Codes Got Their 3-Letter Identities

While some are steeped in history, others are misfortunate coincidences.

For the better part of a century, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has assigned airports around the world unique three-letter identifiers based on several factors. Airports may be given their identity based on their physical location, their official name or other unique historical significance. How did each airport around the world receive their unique identifier?

While some stories are straightforward, others reflect a deeper history. These five unique airport identifiers provide a look into the origins of America’s unique places in aviation history.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport: ORD

The original IATA initials ORD have nothing to do with the man whom the airport is named after, famous aviator Eddie “Butch” O’Hare. Rather, this airport’s unique IATA identifier pays homage to the airport’s original location: Orchard Place, Illinois.

The original airport was built in a small farming community just outside of Chicago. In 1945, the community was leveled to construct Orchard Field Airport, designated with the airport code ORD. When the airport was renamed in O’Hare’s honor in 1949, the three letter designator remained, forever an homage to the farmers who settled the land first.

Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport: CVG

Some airport codes reflect the literal physical location of the facilities, instead of the geographic location they serve. Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport is one prime example.

Instead of having an airport code that reflects serving one of Ohio’s major cities, the three-letter designator notes the closest city to the actual airport – which isn’t even in the state. According to author Jim Winter, the former Comair hub was constructed near Covington, Kentucky, at a former air force training base. Therefore, the airport was granted the code CVG, reflecting the nearest city to the airport at the time.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport: FAT

Fresno-Yosemite International Airport’s three-letter designation goes back to the airport’s original name: Fresno Air Terminal.

According to the airport’s official history, FAT opened for commercial service in 1948. The accompanying code was granted to reflect the airport’s initials. In 1996, the airport decided to change their name to better reflect the fact they are the closest airport serving Yosemite National Park. However, the code did not update to reflect the new name – thus, Fresno Yosemite International Airport will always be FAT.

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport: MSY

There is no questioning Louis Armstrong’s impact on American music. Although he may be a hometown hero, New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport was originally named after another pioneer: aviator John Moisant.

In 1910, Moisant was performing a practice flight while preparing for the Michelin Cup over Kenner, Louisiana when his biplane hit a sudden wind shear. The aircraft crashed, killing the world-famous aviator. Over 30 years later, New Orleans’ first major airport opened bearing the name of Moisant in memory of the pilot. The airport code MSY (the initials for Moisant Stock Yards) remains today in tribute.

Sioux Gateway Airport: SUX

Of all the airports in the United States, Sioux City may have the worst code of all. Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa arguably has one of the most unfortunate identifiers in all the world: SUX. Why the X? According to FareCompare, the “X” was added to airports that shared identifiers with the National Weather Service. Thus, Sioux Gateway Airport officially became coded: SUX.

Although the local authorities attempted to change their airport code twice in modern history, both efforts fell short. Therefore, Sioux Gateway is still SUX, while proudly displaying the brand in a unique line of airport merchandise and on their social media accounts.

While many flyers may not think about their airport codes when planning a trip, those three letters can unlock a lot of insight about a destination. Through each unique IATA designator, travelers from all over the world can add a little more history, intrigue, or even entertainment to their next adventures.

[Photo: SiouxCityGifts.com]