The <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fairportcod.es%2F%23" target="_blank" target="_blank">Airport Codes </a>website provides stories behind more than 350 airport codes around the world. The following gallery offers a sampling, with back stories provided courtesy of the site. On the website you can find the story behind your favorite airport's code or contribute a new entry.
Airport codes explained —
The Airport Codes website provides stories behind more than 350 airport codes around the world. The following gallery offers a sampling, with back stories provided courtesy of the site. On the website you can find the story behind your favorite airport's code or contribute a new entry.
Courtesy Airport Codes
Before Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was renamed after Medal of Honor recipient Edward O'Hare in 1949, it was known as ORcharD Field Airport.
ORD —
Before Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was renamed after Medal of Honor recipient Edward O'Hare in 1949, it was known as ORcharD Field Airport.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
When Dubai International opened in 1960, the airport code DUB was already in use by Dublin, Ireland. DuBai subbed an "X" for the U, making its unique airport code of DXB.
DXB —
When Dubai International opened in 1960, the airport code DUB was already in use by Dublin, Ireland. DuBai subbed an "X" for the U, making its unique airport code of DXB.
Courtesy Dubai International Airport
The most remote airport in the world, Mataveri International serves as the main entry point for people visiting or living on Easter Island. Its airport code comes from the Spanish name for Easter Island, Isla de PasCua.
IPC —
The most remote airport in the world, Mataveri International serves as the main entry point for people visiting or living on Easter Island. Its airport code comes from the Spanish name for Easter Island, Isla de PasCua.
Turismo Chile
With a few exceptions, airport codes starting with "Y" designate Canadian airports. The "YZ" isn't as clear, but is said to be the old railway station code for Malton, in the area where Toronto's Pearson International Airport is located.
YYZ —
With a few exceptions, airport codes starting with "Y" designate Canadian airports. The "YZ" isn't as clear, but is said to be the old railway station code for Malton, in the area where Toronto's Pearson International Airport is located.
Chennai International is located in Tirusulam, a suburb of Chennai, India, but gets its three-letter code from the city's former name, MAdrAs, changed in 1996.
MAA —
Chennai International is located in Tirusulam, a suburb of Chennai, India, but gets its three-letter code from the city's former name, MAdrAs, changed in 1996.
STRDEL/AFP/Getty Images