At first glance, a three-letter airport code might seem like bureaucratic trivia meant mostly for air-traffic control purposes. But when the code is GAY, FUK or SUX, those letters can stir political outcry, cultural backlash or a citywide PR headache.

This week, Gaya International Airport in the Indian state of Bihar became the latest flashpoint after BJP Member of Parliament Bhim Singh called the airport's "GAY" designation "socially and culturally offensive." He urged India's civil aviation ministry to request a change from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The Indian government demurred, saying such changes are allowed only under "exceptional circumstances" tied to air safety.

The dispute reflects the rare instances of airport codes that can cause discomfort — or, m

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