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Airport codes generally reference a city’s name or are a nod to the historical figure they’re named after. Most make sense and are easy to determine, but some stand out as odd and unexpected. From humorous puns to references to local landmarks, here are some of the quirkiest airport codes in the world.
1. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
The Helsinki airport’s code is fittingly similar to the Finnish word helvetti, which means hell. This is likely a coincidence, as the code is based on the city’s name, but it’s still an amusing coincidence.
2. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
This airport code is an acronym for Leeds Bradford Airport, but it can also be interpreted as Lost Baggage Area.
3. Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
This airport code is a representation of the city’s name plus the Y was chosen to show that the airport was co-located with a weather reporting station. It’s also been said that the code was chosen because it sounds like an owl, which is fitting since Ottawa is known as the City of Owls.
4. Bodø Airport (BOO)
This Norwegian airport code might sound spooky, but it’s actually named after the nearby town of Bodø. Don’t be scared, there are no ghosts to be found.
5. Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
The code GUM is short for Guam, but I’m sure you immediately thought of Hubba Bubba or Juicy Fruit when hearing the word gum.
6. Barra Airport (BRR)
This small airport in Scotland uses the code BRR, which is a nod to its remote location on the Isle of Barra and not how cold it is there.
7. Pula Airport (PUY)
This Pula Airport code is a reference to the nearby Croatian city of Pula. However, the code also sounds like the word puke, making it an unsettling choice.
8. Funafuti International Airport (FUN)
9. Yuma International Airport (YUM)
10. Tambillos Airport (COW)
Anthony’s Take: Airport codes can be weird, amusing, and sometimes unexpected. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a curious traveler, keep an eye out for unique airport codes on your next trip.
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8 comments
No list is complete without Fukuoka’s airport code.
(FUK)
The infamous response to a common question ……
“I’m flying in to FUK”
No list is complete without Fukuoka’s airport code.
(FUK)
The Finnish word for hell is helvetti, not hel.
And how is Singapore not on this list?
I updated helvetti. Thanks!
I’ll do a part 2 with SIN and some others. 🙂
How about “FAT” for Fresno?
How about “BOB” for Bora Bora or less fun, “BEN” for Bengazi.
GIG – Rio International Airport -Rio Galeão – Antonio Carlos Jobim