How do I track an AWB number starting with 098?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (098-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Air India's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 098?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 098?

AWB prefix 098 belongs to Air India (IATA code AI), based in India. All air waybills issued by Air India start with 098-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 098 belongs to Air India.

Q: Is 098 the only AWB prefix for Air India?

Yes, 098 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air India. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Air India's prefix is 098, so all their air waybills follow the 098-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 098 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Air India (AI), based in India. Every air waybill issued by Air India begins with the digits 098, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 098-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 098, you can be certain it was issued by Air India or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Air India operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Indira Gandhi International (DEL). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 098 is exclusively reserved for Air India and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Air India's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 098 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number098

Airline

Air India

IATA CodeAI

ICAO CodeAIC

CountryIndia

HubIndira Gandhi International (DEL)

AWB Format098-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 098

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (098) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

098

Airline Prefix
→ Air India

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

098 always identifies Air India as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 098-12345678 is a complete, valid Air India airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 000–099

AWB Prefixes Near 098

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
084	AirBlue	Global	PA	View
086	Air New Zealand	New Zealand	NZ	View
096	Iran Air	Iran, Islamic Republic of	IR	View
098 You are here	Air India	India	AI	Track
099	Southern Air	Global	9S	View
101	Air Dolomiti	Italy	EN	View
104	Eurowings	Germany	EW	View
105	Finnair	Finland	AY	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 098

What airline has AWB prefix 098? +

AWB prefix 098 belongs to Air India (IATA code AI, ICAO code AIC), based in India. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 098-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Air India or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 098? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 098-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 098 as Air India and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 098 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 098 is exclusively assigned to Air India. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 098-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 098 identifies Air India. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Air India — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 098. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Air India's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 098-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 098 the only AWB prefix for Air India? +

Yes. 098 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air India. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 098, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 098, it is guaranteed to be a Air India shipment.

What if my 098 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 098 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Air India cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Air India cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.