Latest news with #Resolution763
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
BJP MP wants Gaya airport code changed over ‘cultural concerns'; Centre says IATA won't allow it
NEW DELHI: The airport code, GAY, for Gaya International Airport in Bihar was making the public feel uncomfortable, opined BJP MP Bhim Singh. It offended their social and cultural sensibilities, he felt, while appealing for a change. In an unstarred questionnaire in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, the Bihar representative sought to know whether the government planned to change it to a more respectful and culturally appropriate code. He also wanted to know if the government had received any complaints, suggestions or public sentiments in this regard and its response. In a written response, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, said that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has ruled out any change in the three-letter code. 'Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking a change of the existing airport code. However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of IATA Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns.'
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
GAY isn't the only ‘offensive' airport code. There are many more
On August 5, A BJP MP took exception to the airport code of Gaya International Airport. The code 'GAY' was 'socially and culturally' offensive, according to Bhim Singh who sought that the government change it to a 'more respectful and culturally appropriate' one. While IATA has banned SEX or GUN, airport codes can be funny or offensive depending on how one looks at it. The code for Madrid, the capital of Spain, is MAD.(Unsplash/Representational) The government replied that it received such requests in the past. Air India had even approached trade body IATA for a change, which did not blink, citing Resolution 763 that bars airport code changes unless deemed extremely essential. Truth is GAY is not the only airport code that is not music to some ears. Take the case of COK, the airport code for Kochi International Airport. While IATA has banned SEX or GUN, airport codes can be funny or offensive depending on how one looks at it. The code for Madrid, the capital of Spain, is MAD. What about DIK? That is the code for Dickinson Theodore Roosevelt Regional Airport in the US. What about FUK? No way! There is actually. Fukuoka Airport's IATA identifier turns out to be FUK. There is a BUM and a POO as well. Butler Memorial Airport in the United States is identified as BUM while Brazil's Pocos De Caldas regional airport goes by POO. PEE is assigned to Russia's Perm International Airport while the Sioux Gateway Airport in the US has SUX as its code. Animal lovers will be pleased because Cascais Municipal Aerodrome in Portugal is CAT for short and Dongola Airport in Sudan has been allocated DOG. An airport in Cuba, the Frank Pais Airport's code is HOG. Foodies need not be disappointed because there is plenty here. St. Peter Clearwater airport in Florida has PIE as code while Yuma International (Arizona) Airport's code is YUM. There's also something for fans of texting slangs. The Derby Field Airport at Lovelock in the US uses IATA code LOL, Funafuti International Airport in Tuvalu uses FUN as its three-letter code and Omega airport in Namibia has gone with OMG. A small airport in Mauritania named Letfotar airport has MOM as its IATA code while DAD is for Vietnam's Da Nang Airport's IATA. Safford Arizona is SAD and Finland's capital Helsinki is HEL. The latter one is the butt of jokes, especially on Friday the thirteenth. How are airport codes assigned? The assignment of location-based codes is laid down in Resolution 763 of IATA. The code has to be unique and can be assigned to an airport or an intermodal transportation terminal such as a bus stand or train station. The procedure involves selecting an unassigned code using the first three letters of the location's name. This applied to older airports such as Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM, after its old name BOMBAY). The second method involves choosing an unassigned combination, preferably starting with the first letter of the location's name (Eg: BLR for Bengaluru and HYD for Hyderabad). Airport codes are not always related to the name of the city. Examples: Canadian airports such as Toronto (YYZ), Vancouver (YVR) and airports in India like Mangalore (IXE) and Aurangabad (IXU). IATA codes are only issued based on a commercial airline's request to IATA and usually the first airline flying to the location requests the code. Airport coding first began in the 1930s and moved to three-letter codes in the 1940s. Is it possible to change an airport code? What about the BJP MP's request to change a code? Assigned three-letter location identifiers are typically considered permanent. They are almost never changed. Only a strong justification, primarily concerning air safety, can be the driver for change. In the case of Bengaluru and Hyderabad, where the older airports shut down for scheduled commercial operations. and the code was placed on the new airports. There have been—rare—instances of change in airport codes. A recent change happened at Kazakhstan's capital Astana. The Nursultan Nazarbayev International airport at Astana, operated with IATA code TSE, which was based on its former name Tselinograd. In 2019, the city's name was changed from Astana to Nur Sultan and a request was made to change the airport code. It was subsequently changed to NQZ. As fate would have it, the city's name reverted to Astana in 2022 while the airport code continues to be NQZ.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
BJP MP calls 'GAY' code for Gaya airport offensive, government responds
A BJP member in Rajya Sabha has raised concerns about 'GAY' as the IATA identifier code for Gaya international airport in Bihar. In response, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply said the three-letter airport codes once assigned are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety three-letter airport codes, also known as IATA location identifiers, are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to facilitate identification of airports across various travel-related systems and codes are generally assigned using the first three letters of the location's name where the airport is situated, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He also mentioned that requests for changing the code of Gaya have been received in the past by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India."IATA location codes are primarily intended for commercial airline operations and are issued at the request of airline operators. Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking change of the existing airport code. However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of IATA Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns," Mohol minister's responses were to queries from BJP member Bhim Singh on whether it is a fact that the Gaya international airport's code is 'GAY', which people consider socially and culturally offensive and also asked whether the government is considering to change the code name 'GAY' to a more respectful and culturally appropriate code.- Ends
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Gaya Airport's ‘GAY' Code ‘Uncomfortable'? Let's Talk About PEE, POO, LOL & YUM: Here's The List
MP Wants Gaya Airport's 'GAY' Code Changed: Who assigns these codes? Can they be changed? A list of the funny ones Bhim Singh, a Rajya Sabha member from Bihar, has sought the changing of the three-letter code of the Gaya International Airport – GAY – calling it 'uncomfortable". While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP has sought a 'more respectful and culturally appropriate code", his remarks have drawn the ire of the LGBTQ community. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply on Monday said the three-letter airport codes once assigned are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns. Who assigns the three-letter codes? In India, three-letter airport codes, known as IATA codes, are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a global trade organization based in Montreal, Canada. These codes are not assigned by the Indian government or any Indian authority. IATA assigns codes worldwide to identify airports uniquely and simplify airline operations, ticketing, baggage handling, and logistics. Example: DEL – Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi These are different from ICAO codes, which are four-letter codes assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization, often used for air traffic control and flight operations. Why do airport codes matter? These codes are printed on luggage tags to ensure bags are routed correctly. Mislabeling could send bags to the wrong destination, so these codes reduce errors. Airport codes appear on boarding passes, tickets, itineraries, and e-tickets. They help travelers quickly understand their route and transfers. These codes are used in departure/arrival boards, airline websites and apps, flight-tracking software, air traffic management interfaces. IATA codes are part of the international aviation language. They allow airlines, travel agencies, cargo handlers, and regulatory bodies to coordinate worldwide. Can airport codes be changed? 'These codes are generally assigned using the first three letters of the location's name where the airport is situated. Requests for changing the code of Gaya have been received in the past by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India. IATA location codes are primarily intended for commercial airline operations and are issued at the request of airline operators. Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking change of the existing airport code. However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of IATA Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns," Mohol said. Does any airport have a funny code? Any? Many. Take a look at the list. SUX (Sioux Gateway, USA) PEE (Perm, Russia) POO (Pocos De Caldas, Brazil) FAT (Fresno Yosemite, USA) LOL (Derby Field, USA) OMG (Omega, Namibia) BUM (Butler Memorial, USA) EEK (Eek, Alaska) BRR (Barra, Scotland) FUN (Funafuti, Tuvalu) YUM (Yuma, Arizona) GAG (Gage, Oklahoma) HOG (Frank Pais, Cuba) GRR (Grand Rapids, USA) CAT (Cascais Municipal, Portugal) DAD (Da Nang, Vietnam) WOW (Willow, Alaska) BOO (Bodo, Norway) IOU (Île Ouen, New Caledonia) SAD (Safford, USA) FAB (Farnborough, UK) With PTI Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: August 06, 2025, 11:50 IST News india Gaya Airport's 'GAY' Code 'Uncomfortable'? Let's Talk About PEE, POO, LOL & YUM: Here's The List Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
BJP MP's remark on Gaya airport triggers row
New Delhi A BJP MP's complaint that Gaya International Airport's three-letter code 'GAY' is 'socially and culturally offensive' has sparked backlash from LGBTQ activists who say his remarks reinforce prejudice against the community. BJP MP's remark on Gaya airport triggers row Rajya Sabha member Bhim Singh from Bihar submitted a written query to Parliament questioning why the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for the Bihar airport remains in use when people find it 'uncomfortable'. He asked whether the government would consider changing it to 'a more respectful and culturally appropriate code' and sought a timeline for any such process. The ministry of civil aviation acknowledged receiving similar requests in the past. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol explained that the three-letter codes are assigned by IATA—a trade association representing 300 airlines—to uniquely identify airports worldwide, typically using the first three letters of the location's name. 'Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking change of the existing airport code,' Mohol said. 'However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns.' The response did not elaborate on when Air India made the request or who were the other entities. LGBTQ activists condemned Singh's characterisation of the code as offensive, arguing it reflects deep-rooted prejudice rather than legitimate cultural concerns. Arvind Narrain, an LGBTQ activist, pointed to the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that decriminalised same-sex relationships and recognised LGBTQI persons' right to dignity. 'The member's description of us as immoral strips the community of dignity,' he said. 'They need to educate themselves that as per the Supreme Court, what governs is not personal morality but constitutional morality. He should apologise to the community.' Rajesh Srinivas, another LGBTQ activist, dismissed the need for any change. 'The airport code does not require a change as there is nothing culturally inappropriate about it. The discomfort with the term stems from deeply ingrained prejudice.' Shanmathi Senthil Kumar, a counselling psychologist and diversity advocate who has worked in mental health and social sectors, called Singh's framing 'deeply concerning'. 'That the term 'GAY' is being labelled as offensive, culturally inappropriate, or even unsafe reflects how deeply rooted the stigma against LGBTQIA+ people still is,' Kumar said. 'Such framing reinforces harmful stereotypes and makes society even more difficult and exclusionary for queer individuals. This highlights the urgent need to centre and prioritise LGBTQIA+ voices in public discourse, so that narratives rooted in prejudice are not allowed to define what is deemed acceptable.' 'If we look at how the queer community is perceived in India, we still have a long way to go. There is a lack of awareness, and that fact should not be ignored. If a word is considered offensive, simply avoiding it doesn't help. One way forward is to confront and address it, rather than shy away from it. The question raised is also aiming in that direction—if someone like an MP can endorse inclusion rather than avoid the issue, it becomes all the more meaningful,' psychotherapist Vidya Dinakaran said.
