How do I track an AWB number starting with 261?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (261-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Northern Air'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 261?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 261?

AWB prefix 261 belongs to Northern Air (IATA code NAC), based in Global. All air waybills issued by Northern Air start with 261-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 261 belongs to Northern Air.

Q: Is 261 the only AWB prefix for Northern Air?

Yes, 261 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Northern Air. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Northern Air's prefix is 261, so all their air waybills follow the 261-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 261 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Northern Air (NAC), based in Global. Every air waybill issued by Northern Air begins with the digits 261, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 261-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 261, you can be certain it was issued by Northern Air or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Northern Air operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Major International Hub (HUB). 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 261 is exclusively reserved for Northern Air and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Northern Air's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 261 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number261

Airline Northern Air

IATA CodeNAC

ICAO CodeNACX

CountryGlobal

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format261-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 261

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (261) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

261

Airline Prefix
→ Northern Air

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

261 always identifies Northern Air as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 261-12345678 is a complete, valid Northern Air 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 200–299

AWB Prefixes Near 261

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
257	Austrian Airlines	Austria	OS	View
259	Magma Aviation	Global	YD	View
260	Fiji Airways	Fiji	FJ	View
261 You are here	Northern Air	Global	NAC	Track
264	Air Vanuatu	Vanuatu	NF	View
272	Kalitta Air	Global	K4	View
275	APG Airlines	France	GP	View
276	Braathens Regional Airways	Sweden	TF*	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 261

What airline has AWB prefix 261? +

AWB prefix 261 belongs to Northern Air (IATA code NAC, ICAO code NACX), based in Global. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 261-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Northern Air or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 261? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 261-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 261 as Northern Air and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 261 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 261 is exclusively assigned to Northern Air. 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: 261-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 261 identifies Northern Air. 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 Northern Air — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 261. 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 Northern Air's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 261-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 261 the only AWB prefix for Northern Air? +

Yes. 261 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Northern Air. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 261, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 261, it is guaranteed to be a Northern Air shipment.

What if my 261 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 261 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Northern Air 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 Northern Air cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.