Being one of Pakistan’s busiest international airports, Allama Iqbal International Airport is the country’s third-largest airport in terms of air traffic. It earns the third spot after Islamabad International Airport and Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport regarding passenger and flight activity.
Initially, it was known as Lahore International Airport, but it later underwent a name change and is now officially known as the Allama Iqbal International Airport. It is named after the distinguished poet and philosopher of the East, Allama Muhammad Iqbal.
In this blog, Graana.com provides a comprehensive guide to Allama Iqbal Airport, Lahore, covering all the essential information you need to know. Let’s kick things off by exploring some fascinating facts about this prominent airport.
For a significant period before and after Pakistan’s independence, Walton Airport served as Lahore’s primary airport and has since transformed into the city’s renowned flying club. However, a pivotal moment came when Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) introduced its first Boeing 720 aircraft.
Walton Airport lacked the capacity required to accommodate jet aircraft, prompting authorities to construct a new airport with greater capacity. This initiative led to the inauguration of Lahore International Airport in 1962.
Subsequently, in response to the surging flight and passenger traffic, Lahore Airport’s most substantial expansion project occurred in the 2000s. To cope with the continuous growth, a new terminal complex was incorporated into the airport’s infrastructure in March 2003.
Additionally, the airport was renamed as “Allama Iqbal International Airport”. Now that you understand Lahore Airport’s history, let’s delve into its location details.
Lahore International Airport boasts an advantageous location just a short drive away from several popular neighbourhoods within the city. Situated 15 kilometres (about 9.32 mi) northeast of the city centre, the airport enjoys direct access to key expressways. You can easily reach the airport by taking the Lahore Ring Road route, or if you opt for alternate routes, the Airport Road and Airport Avenue are readily accessible.
Several of Lahore’s highly desirable neighbourhoods, including Garden Town, Model Town, and DHA Lahore, are conveniently present near the Allama Iqbal International Airport. Depending on the route you select and the current traffic conditions, the journey from these neighbourhoods to the airport usually takes between 20 to 30 minutes. This proximity makes the airport an advantageous transportation hub for both local residents and travellers.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns distinctive codes to international airports worldwide to facilitate safe and efficient international flight operations. The IATA code is’ LHE’ for Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan.
Additionally, another international body, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), is responsible for overseeing international air traffic control and flight planning. For operational purposes, ICAO has allocated a unique code to Lahore Airport, ‘OPLA.’
At Allama Iqbal International Airport, you’ll find three distinct lounges catering to various passenger needs.
Allama Iqbal International Airport has three terminals, accommodating approximately 75-80 daily flights. Let’s delve into some specifics about these terminals.
Allama Iqbal Terminal: The newest addition to the airport complex was inaugurated in March 2003. It offers passengers state-of-the-art facilities aligned with the latest industry standards. The construction of this terminal significantly boosted the airport’s annual passenger-handling capacity. Notably, the terminal design incorporates elements reminiscent of Lahore’s Mughal history, contributing to its grand and impressive structure.
Old Terminal Complex (Hajj Terminal): The previous terminal complex now serves a specialised role as the Hajj terminal. Designated explicitly for handling flight operations related to the Hajj pilgrimage, it has been repurposed to meet the unique needs of these travellers.
Cargo Terminal: The Cargo Terminal at Allama Iqbal International Airport is a specialised facility dedicated to the efficient handling and processing of cargo and freight shipments. Its pivotal function lies in facilitating the movement of goods, both imports and exports, to and from Lahore and the neighbouring areas.
The future expansion plans of Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA) in Lahore, Pakistan, include
The expansion endeavour has a projection to carry an estimated price tag of approximately $1.5 billion and will be carried out in two distinct phases. The initial phase aims for completion by 2025, with the subsequent phase scheduled for finalisation in 2027.
The expansion is deemed imperative for Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIA) to accommodate the escalating influx of passengers and flights. In 2022, the airport successfully managed to serve over 18 million passengers, reflecting a substantial 10% upswing from the preceding year. It is anticipated that the airport will be prepared to handle an excess of 25 million passengers by the year 2025.
Funding for this extensive expansion initiative is being jointly sourced from the government of Pakistan and the private sector. The government has committed to extending a loan of $500 million towards the project, with the private sector stepping in to contribute the remaining $1 billion.
Airline | Destinations | Website |
AirSial | Karachi, Jeddah | www.airsial.com |
Air Arabia | Ras Al Khaimah | www.airarabia.com |
Airblue | Abu Dhabi, Dubai–International, Jeddah, Karachi, Riyadh, Sharjah | www.airblue.com |
Azerbaijan Airlines | Baku (begins 24 September 2023) | www.azal.az/en |
Batik Air Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur–International | www.malindoair.com/pk/ |
China Southern Airlines | Guangzhou, Ürümqi | www.csair.com/cn/ |
Emirates | Dubai–International | www.emirates.com |
Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi | www.etihad.com |
Fly Baghdad | Baghdad, Najaf | www.flybaghdad.net/en/ |
Fly Jinnah | Karachi | www.flyjinnah.com |
Flynas | Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh | www.flynas.com |
Gulf Air | Bahrain | www.gulfairco.com |
Jazeera Airways | Kuwait City | www.jazeeraairways.com |
Kish Air | Mashhad | www.kishairlines.ir/ |
Kuwait Airways | Kuwait City | www.kuwaitairways.com |
Mahan Air | Mashhad, Tehran–Imam Khomeini | www.mahan.aero/en/ |
Oman Air | Muscat | www.omanair.com |
Pakistan International Airlines | Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Baku, Damascus, Dammam, Doha, Dubai–International, Gassim, Gilgit, Guangzhou, Islamabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur–International, Kuwait City, Medina, Muscat, Quetta, Riyadh, Salalah, Toronto–Pearson | www.piac.com.pk |
Qatar Airways | Doha | www.qatarairways.com |
Saudi Airlines | Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh | www.saudiairlines.com |
SCAT Airlines | Almaty | www.scat.kz/en/ |
Serene Air | Dubai–International, Karachi, Quetta, Sharjah | www.sereneair.com |
SriLankan Airlines | Colombo–Bandaranaike | www.srilankan.com |
Taban Air | Mashhad | www.taban.aero |
Thai Airways International | Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi | www.thaiairways.com |
Turkish Airlines | Istanbul | www.turkishairlines.com |
Uzbekistan Airways | Tashkent | www.uzairways.com |
Here are the baggage guidelines for both domestic and international passengers, according to the Lahore airport website:
Information | Details |
---|---|
Name | Allama Iqbal International Airport |
Address | Airport Rd, Cantt, Lahore, Punjab 54000 |
Phone | (042) 99031000 |
Code | LHE |
Hub for airlines | Pakistan International Airlines, Aero Asia International, Rayyan Air, Pakistan Aviators & Aviation, Safe Air |
Elevation | 213 m |
Serves city | Lahore |
Coordinates | 31°31′17″N 74°24′12″E / 31.52139°N 74.40333°E |
Website | https://lahoreairport.com.pk/ |
A: The official name of the airport is Allama Iqbal International Airport.
A: The airport is approximately 15 kilometres northeast of Lahore city centre.
A: Allama Iqbal International Airport has three terminals: one for international, domestic, and a specialised Hajj terminal.
A: The airport offers a range of amenities, including lounges, dining options, duty-free shopping, baggage services, and car rental services.
A: Several airlines operate from the airport, connecting it to domestic and international destinations. Some prominent airlines include Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
A: You can reach the airport by taking various transportation options, including taxis, private cars, and airport shuttle services. It’s approximately a 20-30 minute drive from popular neighbourhoods and roads in Lahore.
A: Yes, there is a dedicated Cargo Terminal at the airport for the handling and processing of cargo and freight shipments.
A: Yes, there are several hotels close to the airport, making it convenient for travellers who require accommodation.
A: Yes, Wi-Fi services are available for passengers at the airport, allowing them to stay connected while waiting for their flights.
A: You can contact the airport authorities through their official website or by using the provided contact information for specific inquiries and assistance.
To read about Islamabad International Airport and Bagh e Jinnah, visit Graana Blog.
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