BJP MP is not happy with 'GAY' code for an airport in Bihar, raises objection in the Rajya Sabha

A BJP member in the Rajya Sabha has raised objections to the use of ‘GAY’ as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for Gaya International Airport in Bihar, calling it “socially and culturally offensive.” The matter was formally brought up through a written query to Parliament.

Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh from Bihar asked why the ‘GAY’ code remains in use despite being uncomfortable for some people. The code, assigned by IATA, is used for identifying airports in airline operations and travel-related systems.

In response, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated that three-letter airport codes, once assigned, are considered permanent and are typically changed only in cases involving air safety concerns.

Previous requests to change code rejected

According to Mohol, requests to change the Gaya airport code have been received by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India in the past. Air India had also approached IATA seeking a change.

However, Mohol clarified that under IATA Resolution 763, such codes are not altered except under exceptional circumstances. “IATA location codes are primarily intended for commercial airline operations and are issued at the request of airline operators,” he said.

Purpose of IATA codes

IATA airport codes are essential for airline operations, ticketing, and baggage handling. The codes are generally derived from the name of the city or airport they represent. In this case, ‘GAY’ is based on the city name Gaya.

The code has remained unchanged since its assignment, with IATA maintaining that such identifiers are meant solely for operational use, not cultural or social interpretation.