FG seeks new IATA code for Osubi Airport to reflect official name, location

The Nigerian government has requested the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to evaluate Osubi Airport's current three-letter location code, QRW, and consider a new code that better represents the airport's official name and location. This request was announced by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on August 17, 2026.

Osubi Airport, identified by the ICAO four-letter code DNSU, is situated in Osubi town, near Warri in Delta State. However, its IATA code QRW is tied to the broader Warri identity. The government aims to enhance geographical precision and uniformity in aviation and travel systems through this review. Keyamo formally communicated the request to Dr Samuel Fatokun, IATA Area Manager for West and Central Africa, in a letter.

The ministry contends that QRW does not accurately reflect the airport's official name and physical location. IATA is asked to conduct a formal review and, depending on its coding guidelines and the availability of suitable combinations, suggest a three-letter code with a clearer association with Osubi. Possible alternatives under consideration include OSU, OSB, SUB, and QSB, though the final decision rests with IATA's coding protocols and the availability of the proposed codes.

Relevant aviation agencies, including the National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Air Navigation Authority (FAAN), Nigeria Aviation Management Agency (NAMA), and others, have been instructed to update their systems, records, publications, and operational interfaces to reflect the Osubi designation. This move does not affect Osubi Airport's role in serving the wider Warri metropolitan area.

The government's decision aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance airport operations, passenger experience, and the integration of technology across Nigeria's airports, such as modernizing baggage handling, passenger processing, and cargo inspection. The Nigeria Customs Service is set to deploy cargo scanners at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with scanners already installed at SAHCO and NAHCO cargo facilities, to improve cargo inspection, reduce processing times, and enhance the detection of prohibited or undeclared goods.

Nigeria ranks second in Africa with the second-largest number of IATA-recognized airports and airfields, with 24 locations assigned IATA three-letter codes as per the 2026 Countries by Airport Count ranking by IATA-CODES.com. This ranking only includes airports and airfields with IATA location codes used for commercial aviation activities, not accounting for all physical airports, airstrips, or aerodromes in Nigeria.