Airport codes are essential for exporters because they ensure accuracy, efficiency, and reliability throughout the air-cargo supply chain. IATA airport codes uniquely identify origin and destination airports, helping exporters avoid routing errors that can lead to costly delays or misdeliveries. These codes are mandatory on key shipping documents such as air waybills, commercial invoices, booking requests, and customs declarations, ensuring that cargo is correctly processed at every stage.

Freight forwarders and airlines rely on airport codes to plan routes, reserve cargo space, calculate transit times, and coordinate handovers between carriers. Accurate use of airport codes also helps exporters control costs by preventing misrouting, unnecessary storage, and additional handling charges. Because airport codes are embedded in airline, customs, and logistics IT systems, they enable automated tracking, faster clearance, and smoother information exchange. Standardised and maintained by the International Air Transport Association, airport codes provide a shared international language that allows exporters to move goods efficiently and trade confidently across global markets.

This is information that is required on much of the export documentation.