FG asks IATA to change Osubi airport code

The Federal Government has requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to reconsider the three-letter airport code assigned to Osubi Airport in Delta State. The move comes after the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led by Minister Festus Keyamo, argued that the current code, QRW, misrepresents the airport's true identity and geographical location. According to a statement released by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, the request was made through a letter addressed to IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa, Samuel Fatokun. Osubi Airport, officially known as Osubi Airport, is located in Osubi town, near Warri, Delta State. It currently holds the four-letter location indicator DNSU under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Despite its physical proximity to Warri, the airport has historically been referred to as “Warri Airport” due to its service to the Warri metropolitan area and its association with the commercial hub. This informal designation has led to confusion over the airport’s formal identity. Minister Keyamo stated that the continued use of the IATA code QRW, linked to the broader Warri identity, does not accurately represent the airport’s name or location. In the aviation industry, three-letter codes play a crucial role in flight ticketing, baggage tagging, boarding passes, reservation systems, and international travel platforms. The government emphasized that incorrect or ambiguous identification could lead to uncertainty for travelers and stakeholders. To address this issue, the ministry has proposed several alternative codes, including OSU, OSB, SUB, and QSB. These options aim to better align with the airport’s official name and geographic position. However, the government acknowledges that the final decision rests with IATA, which must adhere to its established coding procedures and availability criteria. Beyond seeking a code change, the minister has directed airlines operating flights to and from Osubi Airport to update all passenger-facing documents to correctly identify the facility as Osubi, Delta State. This includes flight tickets, luggage tags, boarding passes, and other relevant materials. Additionally, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, and other aviation bodies have been instructed to ensure consistent use of the correct designation across their systems, records, publications, and operational interfaces. Minister Keyamo reiterated that “Osubi is not Warri and Warri is not Osubi,” underscoring the importance of accurate representation in both local and international contexts. The initiative reflects a broader effort to enhance clarity and precision in aviation operations, particularly in regions where multiple airports share similar names or locations. The outcome of this request will likely influence how the airport is perceived and accessed by travelers and businesses alike.