A BJP MP in India’s Rajya Sabha has raised concerns over the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code ‘GAY’ assigned to Gaya International Airport in Bihar. The MP labelled it “socially and culturally offensive and uncomfortable,” and formally asked whether the government planned to consider changing it to something more ‘respectful.’ In response, the civil aviation ministry clarified that IATA codes are typically permanent and changes are permitted only under exceptional circumstances—usually related to air safety—not based on cultural sensitivities. The airport code was derived straightforwardly from the city name Gaya, and past requests, including from Air India and a parliamentary committee, were denied. Activists have criticised the MP’s objections, arguing they reflect stigma rather than legitimate concern. #LGBTQIA #India #politics #airport #Gaya #stigma