BJP MP Questions Gaya Airport Code; Govt Declares Codes Permanent

Quick Summary

• BJP member Bhim Singh raised concerns in Rajya Sabha regarding the airport code ‘GAY’ for Gaya international airport in Bihar.
• Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol explained that IATA airport codes are considered permanent and altered only under exceptional circumstances, such as air safety concerns.
• These three-letter IATA location identifiers are primarily intended to simplify identification across travel-related systems and are often derived from the location’s name.
• Past requests by Air India and others to change the ‘GAY’ airport code were declined by IATA, citing provisions of its Resolution 763, which mandates permanence of assigned codes unless extraordinary conditions arise.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The debate over Gaya international airport’s identifier highlights the intersection between cultural sensitivities and global operational standards. While some individuals may find the code socially offensive or inappropriate, it operates on an internationally standardized system where assigned location identifiers rarely change. Any modification would require a significant reason beyond discomfort, typically related to air safety protocols. The case is also indicative of how global practices occasionally clash with localized perspectives; though, adhering strictly to worldwide norms ensures consistency across aviation systems globally.

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