Unique Code ‘DXN’ Awarded to Noida International Airport

September 29, 2023

The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar has received its own unique international three-letter code, ‘DXN,’ from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This code holds significance in identifying the airport and its connectivity to the world.

Exploring the Code’s Significance

The ‘D’ represents Delhi, the national capital, while ‘N’ stands for Noida, showcasing the airport’s presence in Western Uttar Pradesh. The ‘X’ symbolizes connectivity, both within India and globally. This unique code serves as an essential identifier for the airport’s distinct location and purpose.

Phase 1 Operational by 2024

Phase 1 of Noida International Airport, situated 65 km from Botanical Garden, Noida, is set to be operational by the end of 2024. This initial phase will feature one terminal with a capacity to serve 12 million passengers annually and a 3.9-km-long North Runway.

Understanding Airport Codes

Airport codes are unique identifiers assigned to each airport and play a crucial role in the aviation industry. While there are two types of codes, the three-letter IATA code and the four-digit ICAO code, they serve different purposes.

IATA Codes: These three-digit codes are used for passenger-facing operations, such as tickets, boarding passes, and signage.
ICAO Codes: The four-digit codes are used by industry professionals like pilots and air traffic controllers.

Airport coding originated in the 1930s and has evolved over time. The shift from two-letter to three-letter codes allowed for a greater number of unique combinations, ultimately becoming standardized by the IATA in the 1960s.

Kiran Jain, Chief Operating Officer of NIA, emphasized the significance of the airport code, stating that it remains unchanged as long as the airport exists.

IATA’s Role in Code Assignment

The assignment of IATA codes is not arbitrary; it follows specific criteria:

How the airport wishes to identify itself, often based on city names, airport names, or location names.
The code’s availability, ensuring uniqueness among airports.
Common conventions based on the country, like the ‘IX’ prefix for Indian military airports extended for civilian use.
Specific codes reserved for certain organizations or entities, such as ‘Y’ for Canadian airports and ‘N’ for US Navy.

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