FG asks IATA to change Osubi airport code

The Federal Government has requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to review Osubi Airport's existing three-letter code, QRW, according to a statement by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The change is being proposed to better reflect the airport's official name and its actual geographical location.

Osubi Airport, which uses the four-letter location indicator DNSU, is physically situated in Osubi town, near Warri, Delta State. For years, however, the airport has been commonly referred to as "Warri Airport" due to its proximity to and association with the Warri metropolitan area. Keyamo argues that the current IATA code QRW, which is associated with the broader Warri identity, does not accurately represent the airport's name and location.

The government has suggested alternative codes such as OSU, OSB, SUB, and QSB for IATA's consideration. The government recognizes that the final decision lies with IATA, but stresses that any new designation must comply with IATA's coding procedures and be available for assignment. The Minister has also instructed airlines operating flights to and from Osubi to ensure passenger-facing documents accurately identify the facility as Osubi, Delta State.

Furthermore, various aviation agencies have been directed to consistently reflect the correct designation across their systems, records, publications, and operational interfaces, emphasizing that "Osubi is not Warri and Warri is not Osubi."