Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 6: A demand by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Bhim Singh to change the IATA code ‘GAY’ for Gaya International Airport in Bihar has stirred controversy, prompting strong criticism from LGBTQ activists.

During the monsoon session of parliament on August 4, Singh submitted a written query calling the airport code ‘socially and culturally offensive’ and asked whether the government would consider replacing it with a more ‘respectful’ alternative. He also sought a timeline for any such change.

Responding to the query, minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol clarified that airport codes are assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and are generally considered permanent unless there are exceptional safety-related circumstances. He added that Air India had previously requested a change for the Gaya code, but IATA had rejected the proposal under its resolution guidelines.

The IATA codes are typically based on the name of the airport’s location — in this case, ‘GAY’ for Gaya — and are used globally for commercial aviation operations.

LGBTQ rights activists have slammed Singh’s remarks, stating that labelling the code as offensive reflects bias against the queer community. They argue that such comments reinforce stigma and distract from real issues faced by both travellers and citizens.