London Stansted Airport Decoding STN and EGSS Codes

London Stansted Airport uses the code STN (IATA) for passenger services and EGSS (ICAO) for air traffic control. This article explains the purpose of these codes, the airport's location, and addresses frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth travel experience. Understanding these codes can help travelers navigate the airport more efficiently and avoid confusion. Learn about the significance of IATA and ICAO codes in the context of London Stansted and how they facilitate air travel operations.

When planning a trip to London, you might encounter confusion while booking flights due to the different airport codes associated with London Stansted Airport: STN and EGSS. Both refer to the same airport, but what's the difference? This article clarifies the distinction between these codes to help travelers and aviation professionals use them correctly.

London Stansted Airport: More Than One Code

London Stansted Airport, the UK's third busiest airport, is located in Essex, approximately 48 kilometers northeast of central London. The airport operates with two primary identification codes:

IATA code: STN
ICAO code: EGSS

These codes are managed by different international organizations and serve distinct purposes in aviation and travel.

IATA Code: STN - The Passenger's Identifier

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns three-letter codes primarily used for passenger services:

Flight bookings: Airlines and travel websites use STN when searching for flights to London Stansted.
Baggage handling: Luggage tags display the IATA code to ensure proper routing.
Flight schedules: Timetables typically list airports using their IATA codes.

For travelers, STN is the essential code that appears throughout the journey from booking to arrival.

ICAO Code: EGSS - The Aviation Professional's Reference

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assigns four-letter codes used in operational contexts:

Flight planning: Pilots use EGSS when filing flight plans and navigating.
Air traffic control: Controllers reference EGSS when managing aircraft movements.
Weather reports: Meteorological information uses ICAO codes for precision.

When to Use STN vs. EGSS

The simple rule:

Passengers should use STN for all travel-related purposes
Aviation professionals should use EGSS for operational matters

About London Stansted Airport

Key facts about the airport:

Location: Essex, 48 km northeast of central London
Elevation: 106 meters (348 feet) above sea level

London's Other Major Airports

London's airport system includes several other major facilities:

Heathrow Airport: LHR (IATA), EGLL (ICAO)
Gatwick Airport: LGW (IATA), EGKK (ICAO)
Luton Airport: LTN (IATA), EGGW (ICAO)
London City Airport: LCY (IATA), EGLC (ICAO)

Understanding these codes helps travelers navigate London's complex airport network efficiently.