The BJP MP has flagged the airport code GAY for Gaya as ‘culturally offensive’, prompting a response from the government.

After a Rajya Sabha member expressed concerns about the airport code 'GAY' for Gaya international airport in Bihar, the government responded officially, stating that airport codes are generally permanent and only change under exceptional circumstances. Rajya Sabha member Bhim Singh pointed out that 'GAY' is seen as "socially and culturally offensive and uncomfortable." (PTI) The government's reply came after BJP member Bhim Singh raised questions about the airport code GAY, highlighting that the term is considered "socially and culturally offensive and uncomfortable." He inquired whether the government was aware of the Gaya airport's code, if any complaints or suggestions had been received, and whether there were plans to change it to something "more respectful and culturally appropriate." In response, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated in a written reply that the "assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, typically related to air safety concerns." The government clarified that airport codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and serve as location identifiers for airports. According to IATA Resolution 763, these codes can only be changed in exceptional situations and are otherwise regarded as permanent. The codes, which are usually the first three letters of the airport's name—like GAY for Gaya—are issued at the request of airline operators to help manage airports across various travel-related systems and processes. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also acknowledged that they had received requests in the past to change Gaya's airport code, including from Air India.

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