When planning flight routes, aviation professionals and enthusiasts often encounter confusion with the myriad of airport codes, particularly for less common destinations. One such case is Sahiwal Airport in Pakistan. This article provides clarity on its International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code and essential details to enhance flight planning accuracy.
Understanding Airport Identification Systems
The ICAO assigns unique four-letter codes to airports worldwide, serving as universal identifiers for aviation operations. Unlike the three-letter IATA codes used primarily for passenger services like ticketing and baggage handling, ICAO codes are critical for:
- Flight plan submissions
- Air traffic control communications
- Navigation systems
- Aviation documentation
Sahiwal Airport's Aviation Identifiers
The primary ICAO code for Sahiwal Airport is OPSW . This designation is mandatory for all professional aviation activities involving this facility. Additional identification markers include:
- IATA code: SWN (used for commercial passenger services)
- Official name: Sahiwal Airport
- Location: Punjab Province, Pakistan
- Geographic coordinates: 31°53'22"N latitude, 72°23'30"E longitude
Operational Significance
Precise airport identification is fundamental for:
- Creating accurate navigational charts
- Filing correct flight plans
- Ensuring proper air traffic control coordination
- Maintaining aviation safety standards
The ICAO code OPSW enables seamless integration of Sahiwal Airport into global aviation systems, allowing for efficient routing and operational planning. Aviation professionals should verify this code against current aeronautical publications before flight operations, as identifiers may occasionally change due to administrative updates.
For general aviation pilots and flight dispatchers, understanding these coding systems reduces errors in flight documentation and improves overall operational efficiency. The distinction between ICAO and IATA codes remains particularly important when coordinating between flight operations and passenger services.