# IATA 3-Digit Airline Accounting Prefix Directory & Resolver
> Instant lookup of 500+ official 3-digit IATA airline prefixes to carrier metadata and designators.

- **Canonical URL:** https://stanzaapi.com/tools/iata-validator/standard/airline-prefix-directory
- **Governing Standard:** IATA Resolution 600a & Resolution 722e (International Air Transport Association (IATA))
- **Latency:** <1ms Edge
- **Privacy:** In-memory execution only (zero data stored or logged)

## Technical Overview & Governing Rules
Every scheduled airline in the IATA Clearing House is assigned a unique 3-digit numeric prefix used on all tickets, baggage tags, and cargo waybills.

## Specification Matrix
| Prefix | Airline Name | IATA Code | Country |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 001 | American Airlines | AA | United States |
| 016 | United Airlines | UA | United States |
| 074 | KLM Royal Dutch Airlines | KL | Netherlands |
| 125 | British Airways | BA | United Kingdom |
| 176 | Emirates | EK | United Arab Emirates |
| 220 | Lufthansa Cargo | LH | Germany |

## Standard JSON Response Model
```json
{
  "prefix": "016",
  "airline": "United Airlines",
  "iataCode": "UA",
  "country": "US"
}
```

## Frequently Asked Questions & Edge Cases
### Q: Can airline prefixes change?
**A:** Airline prefixes are globally registered and permanent for the life of the operating carrier.