Have you ever been confused by the mysterious three-letter codes when booking flights? When traveling to Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, does the code CGY leave you puzzled? This guide will demystify the airport codes for Cagayan de Oro and help you become an airport code expert.
Cagayan de Oro Airports: More Than One Code
First, it's important to understand that Cagayan de Oro has two airports: the old Lumbia Airport and the new Cagayan de Oro International Airport (also known as Laguindingan Airport). Since the old airport no longer handles commercial flights, we'll focus on Cagayan de Oro International Airport .
What are the codes for Cagayan de Oro International Airport?
- IATA code: CGY - This three-letter code assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) serves as the airport's unique identifier for ticketing and baggage handling.
- ICAO code: RPMY - This four-letter code from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is used primarily by pilots and air traffic controllers.
Note: The former Lumbia Airport used the IATA code CGY and ICAO code RPML. However, as it no longer operates commercial flights, CGY now typically refers to Cagayan de Oro International Airport.
Key Airport Information
Here are essential details about Cagayan de Oro International Airport:
- Airport name: Cagayan de Oro International Airport / Laguindingan Airport
- Location: Philippines
- Elevation: 164 feet (50 meters)
- Coordinates: 8°36'15"N, 124°27'57"E
From Lumbia to Laguindingan: The Airport Transition
The history of Cagayan de Oro's airports reflects the city's development. The original Lumbia Airport, located near the city center, became inadequate as the city grew and air travel demand increased. This led to the construction of a new international airport in nearby Laguindingan.
On June 15, 2013, Cagayan de Oro International Airport (Laguindingan Airport) opened, replacing Lumbia Airport for commercial flights. The new facility features a longer runway, modern terminal, and improved amenities, significantly enhancing the region's air transport capacity.
Lumbia Airport was converted into an air force base, while its codes remain in aviation databases for historical reference.
Understanding IATA and ICAO Codes
Why do airports have two different codes? The answer lies in their distinct purposes:
- IATA codes (three letters) are used by airlines and travel agencies for commercial operations like ticketing and baggage handling.
- ICAO codes (four letters) serve aviation professionals for flight planning, navigation, and air traffic control.
How to Find Airport Codes
To look up codes for other airports, consider these methods:
- Specialized airport code databases
- Airline websites during flight booking
- Travel booking platforms
Cagayan de Oro: Gateway to Mindanao
As northern Mindanao's primary city, Cagayan de Oro serves as a transportation hub. Its international airport connects to major Philippine destinations and select international routes, providing access to Mindanao's attractions including Siargao Island, Camiguin, and Davao City.
With this guide, you can now confidently navigate Cagayan de Oro's airport codes. Remember that CGY typically refers to the current international airport, while RPMY is its ICAO designation for aviation professionals.