When planning a vacation to sunny Tenerife, you might encounter confusion about airport codes, particularly for Tenerife North Airport which carries two distinct identifiers - TFN and GCXO. These codes serve different purposes in the aviation world, and understanding them can make your travel planning smoother.
Airport Codes: The Passport of Air Travel
In aviation, airport codes function as unique identifiers, acting like passports for airports worldwide. Two major organizations issue these codes using different systems:
- IATA codes: These three-letter codes are familiar to the public, appearing on tickets, baggage tags, and flight information displays. Focused on commercial operations and passenger services.
- ICAO codes: These four-letter codes serve professional aviation needs, used primarily in air traffic control, flight planning, and meteorological reports with emphasis on safety and operations.
Tenerife North Airport: The TFN and GCXO Distinction
Also known as Los Rodeos Airport, Tenerife North is the island's older airport facility with dual identification:
- TFN: The IATA code used in passenger-facing contexts like ticket purchases and flight searches.
- GCXO: The ICAO code employed by aviation professionals in operational communications and documentation.
Location and Infrastructure
Positioned in northern Tenerife at 632 meters (2,073 feet) elevation, the airport's geographical coordinates are:
- Latitude: 28° 28' 57.72" N
- Longitude: 16° 20' 29.40" W
The facility operates with a single runway adequate for regional aircraft, supported by passenger terminals, cargo areas, apron space, and control tower infrastructure.
Operational Profile
Tenerife North primarily serves inter-island and domestic Spanish routes. Carriers like Binter Canarias and Canaryfly maintain extensive networks connecting Tenerife with other Canary Islands and mainland Spanish destinations.
Historical Context
With origins dating to the 1930s, the airport expanded alongside Tenerife's tourism growth. Its high-altitude location brings frequent weather challenges, particularly fog. The facility gained tragic notoriety in 1977 when two Boeing 747s collided on the runway, resulting in 583 fatalities - aviation's deadliest accident. Subsequent safety enhancements included improved runway lighting and air traffic protocols.
Future Developments
While Tenerife South Airport (TFS) has emerged as the island's international gateway, Tenerife North retains importance for regional connectivity. Ongoing upgrades focus on terminal improvements, passenger experience enhancements, and route network expansion to maintain competitiveness.
Understanding these dual codes provides travelers with clearer navigation through flight booking systems and aviation communications. For passengers bound for northern Tenerife, recognizing TFN as the relevant booking code ensures accurate travel arrangements.