For those who frequently travel by air, you might be familiar with a three letter code attached to the airport you will use. Every airport has a unique three-letter IATA code.
What is an IATA code?
An IATA airport code, also known as an IATA location identifier, is a three-letter code designating many airports around the world, defined by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The characters prominently displayed on baggage tags attached at airport check-in desks are an example of a way these codes are used.
The assignment of these codes is governed by IATA Resolution 763, and it is administered by IATA headquarters in Montreal. The codes are published semiannually in the IATA Airline Coding Directory. – Wikipedia
Below, are the airport codes for various airports in East Africa.
Uganda
Uganda has one international airport at Entebbe which is close to the capital Kampala.
- Name of Airport: Entebbe International Airport
- Airport Code: EBB
- Location of the Airport: Just outside the town of Entebbe on Lake Victoria and 21 miles (35 kilometers) from Kampala, Uganda’s capital.
- National Airline: None in operation as of the time of writing this article.
Tanzania
Tanzania has two international airports, one outside the capital Dar es Salaam, on the Indian Ocean, and the other near Arusha.
Dar es Salaam
- Name of Airport: Dar es Salaam International Airport
- Airport Code: DAR
- Location of the Airport: 8 miles (12 kilometers) southwest of the city, Dar es Salaam.
- National Airline: None as of the time of writing this article.
Arusha and Moshi
- Name of Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Airport Code: JRO
- Location of the Airport: 23 miles (37 kilometers) from Moshi and 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Arusha.
Related Article: List of countries that Ugandans can travel to without a VISA.
Rwanda
Rwanda has one major international airport just outside the capital, Kigali.
- Name of Airport: Kigali International Airport
- Airport Code: KGL
- Location of the Airport: 7 miles (12 kilometers) from the center of Kigali
- National Airline: Rwandair
Kenya
Kenya has two airports. Its main international airport is just outside the capital, Nairobi whereas Mombasa on the coast is a popular entry point for charter flights from Europe.
Nairobi
- Name of Airport: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- Airport Code: NBO
- Location of the Airport: 10 miles (16 kilometers) south-east of the capital city, Nairobi.
- National Airline: Kenya Airways
Mombasa
- Name of Airport: Moi International Airport
- Airport Code: MBA
- Location of the Airport: 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the city center of Mombasa.
Burundi
There are three airports in Burundi.
Bujumbura
- Name of Airport: Bujumbura International Airport
- Airport Code: BJM
- National Airline: None as at the time of writing this article
Gitega
- Name of Airport: Gitega Airport
- Airport Code: GID
Kirundo
- Name of Airport: Kirundo Airport
- Airport Code: KRE
