When booking flights to Macapá, Brazil, travelers may encounter two distinct airport codes—MCP and SBMP—that represent the same destination. These identifiers serve different purposes in global aviation systems, reflecting the airport's dual roles in passenger services and flight operations.
The Two Codes Explained
Macapá International Airport, officially named Alberto Alcolumbre International Airport, serves as the primary air gateway to the capital of Brazil's Amapá state. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns the MCP code primarily for passenger-facing services, including ticket reservations, baggage handling, and flight information displays.
In contrast, the SBMP designation comes from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and serves operational purposes. This four-letter code facilitates communication between pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport personnel, appearing in flight plans, weather reports, and navigational charts.
Functional Differences
The IATA's MCP code follows a simpler three-letter format designed for easy recognition by travelers and airline staff. The ICAO's SBMP code incorporates geographical information, with the initial "S" indicating South America and "B" representing Brazil, followed by location-specific identifiers.
This dual-coding system ensures efficient coordination across different aviation sectors while maintaining clear communication channels between passenger services and flight operations.
Key Airport Information
- Airport Name: Macapá International Airport (Alberto Alcolumbre International Airport)
- IATA Code: MCP
- ICAO Code: SBMP
- Country: Brazil
- Geographical Coordinates: Latitude 0° 0' 0.00" N, Longitude 0° 0' 0.00" E (Note: Requires verification)
Understanding these aviation codes provides travelers with greater insight into global air transport systems and helps demystify the technical aspects of flight operations. The next time MCP or SBMP appears on travel documents, passengers can confidently recognize these identifiers as representing Macapá's vital connection to international air networks.