When searching for the airport code of RAF Alconbury , would you choose AYHI (ICAO) or EGWZ ? This seemingly simple question actually tests one's understanding of international airport coding systems.
Current records indicate that RAF Alconbury maintains dual designations: an IATA code (AYHI) used primarily for passenger transportation and commercial purposes, and an ICAO code (EGWZ) employed for air traffic control and aviation operations. The military airfield, located near Huntingdon in the United Kingdom, has been incorrectly documented with null coordinates (0° 0' 0.00" N, 0° 0' 0.00" E) in some sources.
The distinction between these coding systems proves crucial for accurate flight information retrieval, travel planning, and aviation research. IATA codes, assigned by the International Air Transport Association, typically appear on passenger tickets and baggage tags, while ICAO codes, regulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization, serve operational and regulatory functions.
This case demonstrates the importance of consulting multiple authoritative sources when verifying airport identifiers, particularly for military installations that may follow different documentation standards than civilian airports. The dual-code system reflects the airbase's historical transition from active Royal Air Force operations to its current status as a United States Air Force support facility.