Lahore Airport (LHE) Flights & Flight Status

As someone who has traveled through Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) several times, I’ve witnessed how it serves as a gateway not only to Lahore but also to the cultural and economic pulse of the region. LHE is Pakistan’s third-largest airport by passenger traffic and second largest by area. It serves as a critical hub for travellers in the Punjab region.

LHE connects Lahore to numerous domestic and international destinations, handling over 5 million passengers annually. It is also strategically important as a gateway for business and leisure travellers, linking the city to key destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe and beyond.

This expert guide provides insights into the various aspects of the airport to help ensure a smoother travel experience.

Terminals

Allama Iqbal International Airport operates with 3 terminals: the Allama Iqbal Terminal, the Hajj Terminal and the old terminal, which is now primarily used for cargo services. The main terminal architecture, with its sleek design and modernized facilities, blends traditional elements with contemporary styles. There are dedicated rest areas where passengers can relax, though these spaces often get crowded during peak times.

The primary terminal, the Allama Iqbal terminal, handles both domestic and international traffic, while the Hajj terminal is exclusively used during the Hajj season.

The airport can handle over 3,000 passengers per hour, but during peak times, especially with the influx of travellers during Hajj season or major holidays, the facilities tend to become overcrowded. Expansion plans have been proposed to address this, but significant improvements are yet to be fully realized.

Arrival experience at LHE

Upon arrival at LHE, you can expect a relatively straightforward process with dedicated counters for Pakistani citizens, foreign nationals and diplomatic personnel. During peak hours, such as late evenings and nights, there can be a delay due to the simultaneous arrival of multiple flights. During off-peak hours, immigration and customs processes are manageable, taking around 30 to 45 minutes.

During peak hours, I’ve noticed the wait time can extend to over an hour. I usually try to pass the time by doing some plane spotting, catching up on emails or downloading movies beforehand to watch during the waiting period. Having a snack at hand can also help, as the food options after security are limited.

The airport has invested in modern facilities to accommodate an increasing number of international passengers, and this is evident in the clear signage and organized flow. LHE offers fast-track immigration services for premium passengers, ensuring quicker processing. Once through immigration, passengers proceed to baggage claim, with trolleys available free of charge, but retrieving luggage during peak times can still take up to 20 to 30 minutes.

Baggage wrapping services are also offered at a nominal fee per piece. In the case of lost baggage, the Civil Aviation Authority maintains a lost and found section where unclaimed items are kept for up to 3 months.

Customs and security

Customs and immigration procedures are straightforward with multiple lanes for different types of passengers, including special desks for overseas Pakistanis. However, there are occasional random checks. Passengers carrying electronic goods or expensive items should be aware that customs checks are thorough. Random checks are conducted, and there are separate lanes for those with items to declare.

For international passengers, it is mandatory to carry a passport, visa (if applicable) and a disembarkation form (foreigners only). Immigration officers verify the travel documents upon arrival, while those departing are advised to arrive 3 to 4 hours before their flight to ensure a smooth check-in process.

In terms of security, the airport has recently improved its surveillance and screening systems. While the procedures may seem basic, they are in line with standard international safety protocols. However, security checks for domestic flights can feel more cumbersome due to the limited number of lanes and equipment.

Departing from LHE

For departing passengers, you should arrive at least 3 hours before your scheduled flight time, particularly for international flights. LHE offers both online check-in options for most airlines and manual check-ins at the counters. However, long lines are common, especially during busy travel seasons, such as the Eid holidays, so it is essential to arrive early to avoid delays.

After checking in, passengers proceed to security screening. LHE maintains a thorough security process, with both hand luggage and personal screening. Delays are minimal during off-peak hours, but lines can form during busy times.

LHE has made efforts to minimize such delays by enhancing its infrastructure and runway capacity. Buses transport passengers to the aircraft for remote stands, though many international flights do have direct boarding from the terminal.

Ground transportation

Allama Iqbal International Airport offers several transportation options to and from the city. While there is no direct public transportation link, taxis and ridesharing services like inDrive, Careem and Uber are widely used.

Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, though you should be cautious about negotiating fares in advance as overcharging is a common issue. From personal experience, the ride into the city can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic. Rush hour, especially in the late afternoon, can significantly delay the trip, so I recommend planning around this time if possible.

Using ridesharing apps like Uber or Careem has been a more convenient and hassle-free experience for me, with transparent pricing and quicker service. I recommend them for a more convenient and safer option as they continue to become increasingly popular among both locals and tourists. Additionally, several hotels in Lahore offer shuttle services for their guests, providing another convenient transportation option.

Domestic flight connectivity

LHE is a key hub for domestic travel within Pakistan, with flights to major cities like Islamabad, Karachi and Peshawar. Over the years, I’ve taken several domestic flights from here, and while the connectivity is good, delays are not uncommon, especially during bad weather. The waiting areas in the domestic section are basic but functional, and I usually take the time to grab a coffee, do some plane spotting or read a book.

Airlines like PIA, SereneAir and Airblue operate frequent domestic services, offering connectivity to many regional airports across the country. Given the unpredictability of traffic in Lahore, travellers with connecting domestic flights should allow ample time between flights. The domestic and international terminals are connected, but the walking distance and security re-checks may take longer than expected.

Facilities and services at LHE

LHE offers essential services for passengers, including free Wi-Fi, though the speed may not be sufficient for data-heavy tasks like video streaming. In terms of shopping, the airport offers a limited selection of duty-free stores selling items like perfumes and cosmetics. However, options are sparse compared to other international airports and prices tend to be on the higher side. Local products like Pakistani handicrafts and textiles are also available for last-minute purchases.

Similarly, food and beverage options are limited, with only a few cafes and snack bars available. Restaurants such as Lahore Restaurant in the concourse hall and snack bars in the departure lounges cater to the food and beverage needs of travellers. However, if you’re looking for a proper meal, I recommend eating before arriving at the airport.

As with many airports in the country, there are dedicated prayer rooms for Muslim travellers. These prayer rooms are available in both the domestic and international terminals. Separate areas are allocated for men and women. One of the services I appreciate most is the availability of clean and peaceful prayer rooms, which offer a quiet retreat from the bustling terminal.

Additionally, there are medical and emergency services at the airport, ensuring quick first-aid support and emergency evacuations to nearby hospitals if necessary. For passengers with special needs or senior citizens, assistance is provided through wheelchair services.

Banking, currency exchange and parking

LHE provides a range of banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange counters located in both the arrivals and departures areas. Several local and international banks including the National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Ltd and Allied Bank Ltd offer these services, ensuring that passengers have access to cash or currency conversion as needed.

Parking facilities at the airport are limited, with space for approximately 800 vehicles. The parking area is located in front of the terminal and can fill up quickly during peak hours. Parking fees are charged on an hourly basis and there are separate spaces for short-term and long-term parking.

Lounges at LHE

The State Lounge is reserved for high-profile individuals including diplomats, consulates, UN mission members, high ranking military and several others. For the rest, the CIP Lounge is available for international passengers travelling in first or business class. Located within the international departures area, it provides a range of exclusive amenities to enhance the travel experience for premium passengers.