Which airport code is required on an Air Waybill (AWB)?

Commercial air waybills require the standard 3-letter IATA airport code for both origin airport of departure and destination airport of arrival. Using a general city code instead of a specific airport code can cause routing delays or documentation rejections by customs authorities.

How does an IATA airport code relate to a US CBP Port Code?

While an IATA code identifies the physical airport for airline logistics, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses a 4-digit Schedule D Port Code for customs entries (CBP Form 7501). For instance, Los Angeles International Airport uses IATA code LAX, but its CBP Schedule D Port Code is 2720.

How is chargeable weight calculated for international air cargo?

Air freight rates are calculated based on Chargeable Weight, which is the greater of actual gross weight (in kg) or volumetric weight. Volumetric weight is calculated using the standard IATA ratio: (Length x Width x Height in cm) / 6000 per package.

Airport Code Finder: IATA & ICAO Codes

Q: What is the difference between an IATA code and an ICAO code?

An IATA code has three letters (e.g., LAX, DEL) and is used on air waybills, booking manifests, and cargo tracking systems. An ICAO code has four letters (e.g., KLAX, VIDP) and is used primarily in flight operations and air traffic control. For commercial air freight shipping documents, always specify the 3-letter IATA code.

Comprehensive lookup directory for 3,250+ commercial airports worldwide. Verify 3-letter IATA codes for Air Waybills (AWB) and 4-digit US CBP Schedule D customs port codes.

Professional Air Cargo Tool

Mastering Airport Identifiers for Global Supply Chains

Accurate airport coding is critical for air freight quotes, customs entries, and flight scheduling. In international logistics, using incorrect airport or city codes leads to misplaced cargo, delayed customs processing, and unexpected re-consignment fees.

IATA Codes (Air Waybill & Logistics)

The 3-letter IATA code (e.g., LAX, BOM, PVG) is the universal identifier used on Air Waybills, commercial invoices, booking confirmations, and customs documentation.

ICAO Codes (Aviation Operations)

The 4-letter ICAO code (e.g., KLAX, VABB, ZSPD) is used by airlines, flight planners, and air traffic control to designate flight paths and weather monitoring stations.

Air Waybill Compliance

Airlines mandate 3-letter IATA airport codes on master air waybills (MAWB) and house air waybills (HAWB). Specifying a general city code instead of an exact airport code can result in cargo rejection at origin hubs.

CBP Schedule D Integration

For US-bound air cargo, US Customs and Border Protection requires a 4-digit Schedule D Port Code on CBP Form 7501. Our directory maps major US international airports to their designated CBP entry points.

Chargeable Weight Ratio

Air freight is billed on Chargeable Weight—the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. Standard air cargo volumetric formula: (L x W x H in cm) / 6000 = Volumetric Weight in kg.

Global Gateway Network

Major Air Freight Hubs by Country

Explore primary commercial airports across key manufacturing and import trade corridors served by Airlift USA Inc.

United States US

LAX Los Angeles Int'l

JFK New York JFK Int'l

ORD Chicago O'Hare

ATL Atlanta Hartsfield

DFW Dallas/Fort Worth

SFO San Francisco Int'l

MIA Miami Int'l

India IN

DEL New Delhi (Indira Gandhi)

BOM Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji)

BLR Bengaluru (Kempegowda)

MAA Chennai Int'l

HYD Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi)

CCU Kolkata (Netaji Subhash)

AMD Ahmedabad Int'l

Vietnam VN

SGN Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat)

HAN Hanoi (Noi Bai)

DAD Da Nang Int'l

HPH Haiphong (Cat Bi)

CXR Nha Trang (Cam Ranh)

China & Hong Kong CN / HK

HKG Hong Kong Int'l

PVG Shanghai Pudong

CAN Guangzhou Baiyun

SZX Shenzhen Bao'an

PEK Beijing Capital

CGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng

Southeast Asia BD / KH / TH

DAC Dhaka (Hazrat Shahjalal)

PNH Phnom Penh Int'l

BKK Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi)

SIN Singapore Changi

KUL Kuala Lumpur Int'l

Europe EU

FRA Frankfurt Main

AMS Amsterdam Schiphol

LHR London Heathrow

CDG Paris Charles de Gaulle

LUX Luxembourg Findel

Frequently Asked Questions

Air Cargo & Airport Code Guidance

Expert answers regarding international air freight documentation, code compliance, and customs entries.

What is the difference between an IATA code and an ICAO code?

An IATA code is a 3-letter designation (e.g., LAX, BOM) used on tickets, air waybills, flight schedules, and customs filings. An ICAO code has 4 letters (e.g., KLAX, VABB) and is used primarily in pilot communications, flight planning, and air traffic control. Commercial air freight shipping documents strictly require 3-letter IATA codes.

Which airport code goes on an Air Waybill (AWB)?

Always use the standard 3-letter IATA airport code for the departure and arrival terminals. Using a general city code when a city has multiple cargo airports (such as NYC vs JFK/EWR) can lead to booking holds or misrouted cargo at transfer hubs.

Is the IATA airport code the same as the US CBP Port Code?

No. The IATA code identifies the physical airport for logistics routing. US Customs and Border Protection uses a distinct 4-digit Schedule D Port Code for formal entries. For example, Chicago O'Hare's IATA code is ORD, but its US Customs Port Code is 3901.

How can Airlift USA assist with international air freight shipping?

As an IATA-certified freight forwarder and FMC-licensed NVOCC, Airlift USA provides door-to-door air cargo logistics, charter solutions, customs brokerage, pre-clearance documentation, and last-mile trucking across major Asia–US trade lanes.

Need an Air Freight Quote or Customs Clearance?

Contact our licensed freight forwarding team for competitive air cargo routing, door-to-door rates, and automated US Customs clearance support.

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