When booking flights to Dadu, Pakistan, travelers may encounter two different airport codes: DDU and OP17. Which one is correct, and what distinguishes them? This guide clarifies the dual coding system used in global aviation.
Dadu West Airport: Basic Information
Dadu West Airport serves the Dadu region of Pakistan as a small-scale aviation facility. Like all airports worldwide, it maintains unique identifier codes assigned by international aviation organizations—the three-letter IATA code and four-letter ICAO code.
The IATA Code: DDU
The International Air Transport Association assigns three-letter codes primarily for passenger services. Dadu West Airport's IATA designation is DDU, which appears on tickets, boarding passes, and baggage tags. These codes often derive from city names or airport titles, though historical exceptions exist. The DDU code bears phonetic resemblance to "Dadu," aiding passenger recall.
The ICAO Code: OP17
For aviation professionals, the International Civil Aviation Organization's four-letter codes govern flight operations. Dadu West Airport's ICAO identifier is OP17, where "OP" designates Pakistan and "17" specifies this particular airfield. These codes follow strict geographical patterns—the first letter indicates region ("O" for South Asia), the second the country ("P" for Pakistan), with numerals completing the unique identifier.
DDU vs. OP17: Functional Distinctions
The dual codes serve complementary purposes:
- DDU (IATA): Commercial operations—ticketing, reservations, and passenger information systems
- OP17 (ICAO): Air traffic control, flight planning, and navigation systems
Locating Airport Codes
Travelers can identify airport codes through:
- Specialized aviation code databases
- Airline booking platforms during ticket purchase
- Official airport websites
Pakistan's Aviation Coding System
All Pakistani airports share ICAO codes beginning with "OP." IATA codes vary by location but often reflect city names. Notable examples include:
- Jinnah International (Karachi): KHI/OPKC
- Allama Iqbal International (Lahore): LHE/OPLA
- Benazir Bhutto International (Islamabad): ISB/OPRN
Understanding these identifiers ensures smoother travel planning and clearer communication with aviation services. When booking to Dadu, remember that DDU represents the passenger-facing code, while OP17 serves operational needs—both correctly identifying the same destination.