What Is IATA? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
IATA (the International Air Transport Association) is the trade association of the world’s airlines, which also assigns the two-letter airline and three-letter airport codes used in ticketing.
In plain language
It sets industry standards for ticketing, baggage and cargo, and publishes the delay codes airlines use.
Example
The codes PK and KHI that appear on a Pakistani ticket are IATA codes.
Why it matters
IATA’s codes and standards touch every ticket you buy. It also sets standards for baggage and cargo handling, and publishes the delay codes that airlines use.