Airline IATA Codes & Numeric Ticket Codes List

Searchable database of airline IATA two-letter codes and 3-digit numeric ticket codes used in Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre GDS.

This comprehensive airline code list includes IATA two-letter airline codes and three-digit numeric ticket codes used in airline reservations, ticketing, and Global Distribution Systems (GDS) such as Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre.

Search for an airline to find its IATA code, numeric ticket code, and airline name. These codes are commonly used by travel agents, airline professionals, and GDS users when creating reservations and issuing airline tickets.

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What Is an IATA Airline Code?

An IATA airline code is a two-character code (usually two letters) assigned by the International Air Transport Association to uniquely identify an airline. These codes appear on flight schedules, tickets, boarding passes, and inside every GDS command.

Examples include:

• MS – EgyptAir
• EK – Emirates
• BA – British Airways
• LH – Lufthansa
• QR – Qatar Airways
• AA – American Airlines

What Is an Airline Numeric Code?

An airline numeric code is a three-digit code assigned to each airline for ticket issuance and accounting. It is the prefix of every 13-digit e-ticket number and identifies the airline that validated (issued) the ticket — not necessarily the airline operating the flight.

Examples include:

• 077 – EgyptAir
• 176 – Emirates
• 125 – British Airways
• 220 – Lufthansa
• 157 – Qatar Airways

IATA Code vs. Numeric Ticket Code — Key Differences

Beginners often confuse the two codes, but they serve completely different purposes in airline operations:

• IATA code (2 letters) – Used in schedules, PNRs, and flight commands (e.g., MS 985)
• Numeric code (3 digits) – Used in ticketing, accounting, and settlement (e.g., a ticket starting with 077)

Both codes are essential in airline ticketing and must be understood by every professional travel agent working with Amadeus, Galileo, or Sabre.

Where Airline Numeric Codes Are Used

The numeric airline code appears in several critical areas of airline operations:

• E-ticket numbers – The first 3 digits identify the issuing airline
• Airline accounting – Interline billing and settlement between carriers
• IATA BSP – Billing and Settlement Plan reporting
• GDS systems – Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre all rely on numeric codes for ticketing and reporting
• Refunds and reissues – To route the transaction back to the correct carrier

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IATA airline code?
A two-character code used to identify an airline in reservations, tickets, schedules, and GDS systems.

What is an airline numeric code?
A three-digit code assigned to an airline, commonly used in ticketing and settlement systems.

What is the difference between an IATA code and a numeric airline code?
The IATA code is 2 letters; the numeric code is 3 digits. Both identify the airline but serve different purposes.

Where are airline numeric codes used?
In airline tickets, ticket numbers, accounting, reservations, and GDS systems such as Amadeus, Galileo, and Sabre.