Gaya airport code ‘GAY’ won’t be changed, says govt after BJP leader requests change
A question was raised in Parliament asking whether the IATA code “GAY” for Gaya International Airport in Bihar is considered 'socially and culturally offensive' by the public by BJP leader Dr Bhim Singh.The query sought to know if the government has received any complaints or suggestions regarding the code, and whether it is considering changing it to something more “respectful and appropriate”.In a written reply in Parliament, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that while requests have been received by the Ministry and the Airports Authority of India to revise the code, the final authority lies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which assigns airport codes globally.The Centre clarified that the controversial three-letter airport code “GAY” assigned to the Gaya International Airport in Bihar will remain unchanged.The Civil Aviation Ministry has clarified that the airport code is assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) based on location names and is primarily used for airline operations.While requests to change the code have been received in the past—including one from Air India—IATA has informed the government that such codes are considered permanent and can only be changed under exceptional circumstances, typically related to air safety.
A question was raised in Parliament asking whether the IATA code “GAY” for Gaya International Airport in Bihar is considered 'socially and culturally offensive' by the public by BJP leader Dr Bhim Singh.
The query sought to know if the government has received any complaints or suggestions regarding the code, and whether it is considering changing it to something more “respectful and appropriate”.
In a written reply in Parliament, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said that while requests have been received by the Ministry and the Airports Authority of India to revise the code, the final authority lies with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which assigns airport codes globally.
The Centre clarified that the controversial three-letter airport code “GAY” assigned to the Gaya International Airport in Bihar will remain unchanged.
The Civil Aviation Ministry has clarified that the airport code is assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) based on location names and is primarily used for airline operations.
While requests to change the code have been received in the past—including one from Air India—IATA has informed the government that such codes are considered permanent and can only be changed under exceptional circumstances, typically related to air safety.
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