Quick Answer
Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca has two major official codes: CMN (the 3-letter IATA code) commonly used for purchasing tickets and luggage tags, and GMMN (the 4-letter ICAO code) reserved for technical use by airline pilots and flight controllers.
Table of Contents
1. The Two CMN/GMMN Airport Codes
IATA Code
Used for airline tickets, booking websites, and marking your checked baggage.
ICAO Code
Strictly used by global civil aviation, captains, and air traffic control towers.
Meaning and Historical Origin
CMN - The IATA Association
The CMN code traditionally originates as an abbreviation of the city of "Casablanca", paired with the sovereign "Mohammed", and the geographical location "Nouasseur" (Casablanca Mohammed Nouasseur). This 3-letter global standard unifies the computer databases of all commercial airlines on the planet.
GMMN - The ICAO Organization
The GMMN code follows an extremely strict geographical nomenclature imposed by the ICAO:
- GM = Identifies the geographical region of Morocco.
- M = Designates the Mohammed V hub.
- N = For Nouasseur (the Moroccan province housing the tarmac and runways).
2. How to Use These Codes?
When does a passenger use CMN?
- When purchasing a flight ticket on any standard internet aggregator or on the Royal Air Maroc website.
- On barcode labels affixed by the departures check-in agent to your suitcases.
- When entering the airport into tracking applications like FlightRadar24 to verify your arrival flights.
Who uses GMMN?
- Commercial pilots downloading their official navigation flight plans.
- The Moroccan control tower for radio communication (lower and upper airspaces).
- Meteorological computers broadcasting METAR (observations) and TAF (weather forecasts) reports.
3. Codes for Other Moroccan Airports
If planning your trip with a car rental provider (that permits a one-way return), you might land at CMN and depart from another Moroccan metropolis.
| Moroccan Airport | Public IATA Code | Technical ICAO Code |
|---|---|---|
| Casablanca Mohammed V | CMN | GMMN |
| Marrakech Ménara | RAK | GMMX |
| Rabat-Salé | RBA | GMME |
| Agadir Al Massira | AGA | GMAD |
| Tangier Ibn Battouta | TNG | GMTT |
| Fes-Saïss | FEZ | GMFF |
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the code for Casablanca Airport?
Casablanca Airport has two main codes: CMN (the IATA code used for flight bookings) and GMMN (the ICAO code used by aviation professionals). The CMN code is the one you will need to book a flight ticket.
What is the difference between IATA and ICAO?
The IATA code (3 letters) is meant for the general public and ticket booking systems. The ICAO code (4 letters) is a more precise system used by pilots and air traffic controllers, covering all airfields globally.
What does the CMN code stand for?
The IATA code 'CMN' is an acronym representing the city of Casablanca, King Mohammed V, and the specific locality where the airport is situated, Nouasseur (Casablanca Mohammed Nouasseur).
Can I use the GMMN code to book a flight?
No, public flight booking websites exclusively use the 3-letter IATA codes. You must use the CMN code to search and book your flights. The GMMN code is strictly reserved for professional aeronautical use.