Lahore Airport (LHE) – Complete Guide to Allama Iqbal International 2026 | AIRPORTS

Allama Iqbal International Lahore (LHE)

Live arrivals, departures, airlines, terminals, parking, hotels & transport — all in one place.

Airport Overview

Airport: Allama Iqbal International
IATA: LHE
ICAO: OPLA
Location: Lahore, Punjab
Type: International Airport
Operator: Pakistan Airports Authority
🕒 CIP Lounge: 24/7 🕒 Check-in Opens: 3 hrs before Intl / 2 hrs before Domestic 🕒 Duty-Free: 05:00 – 23:00

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) serves as Pakistan's second-busiest aviation hub and the primary gateway to the Punjab heartland. Located approximately 15 kilometers east of Lahore's city center along the Canal Road, this airport processes over 6 million passengers annually and serves as a critical link between Pakistan and the global diaspora. Originally established as a Royal Air Force base during the British era, the airport was significantly expanded and renamed in honor of Pakistan's national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Today, it operates as a key hub for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), alongside a growing roster of international carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Saudia, and Gulf Air, making it the preferred gateway for overseas Pakistanis from the UK, GCC, and Europe.

The airport's operational architecture features two main terminals: the Allama Iqbal Terminal handles all international operations with modern immigration and customs facilities, while the Domestic Terminal serves PIA, SereneAir, Airblue, and Fly Jinnah for routes to Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. A notable feature is the covered walkway connecting both terminals—a convenience for passengers with connecting itineraries, though travelers should note that separate tickets require exiting and re-entering security. In recent years, the airport has undergone significant modernization, including the addition of automated e-gates for NICOP holders, expanded duty-free shopping, and premium lounge facilities that rival regional hubs.

🌫️ Fog Season Alert (Nov–Feb): Lahore experiences dense winter fog, frequently causing flight delays and diversions between December and January. Always book the earliest possible morning flight and check your airline's live status via the widget below before heading to the airport.

🛬 Lahore Airport Arrivals & Departures

⏱️ Times in PKT (UTC+5). Data refreshes automatically.

Whether you are landing or taking off, here is everything you need to know about passenger flows at LHE. The airport is designed to handle over 6 million travelers annually with dedicated immigration, baggage, and security channels for both international and domestic operations.

🛬 For Arriving Passengers

  • Immigration: E-gates for Pakistani passport holders.
  • Baggage Claim: Belts 1-4 (International), 5-6 (Domestic).
  • Currency Exchange: Open 24/7 near the exit (competitive rates).
  • Transport: Pre-paid taxi booths, Careem/Uber pickup Zone C.
  • SIM Cards: Jazz & Zong kiosks available after customs.

🛫 For Departing Passengers

  • Check-in: Opens 3 hours prior; Zone A (International), Zone B (Domestic).
  • Lounges: PIA Business Lounge (after security) & CIP Lounge (landside).
  • Duty-Free: Extensive shopping for perfumes, gold, and confectionery.
  • Food Court: Located airside near Gate 9 (includes local & international chains).
  • Prayer Areas: Separate male/female musallah/prayer areas near boarding gates.

Airlines at Lahore Airport

PIA

National Carrier

Airblue

Domestic/Intl

AirSial

Domestic

Serene Air

Domestic

Fly Jinnah

Low‑cost

Air Arabia

Sharjah (SHJ)

Batik Air

Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Emirates

Dubai (DXB)

Etihad

Abu Dhabi (AUH)

flynas

Riyadh/Jeddah

Gulf Air

Bahrain (BAH)

Jazeera Airways

Kuwait (KWI)

Qatar Airways

Doha (DOH)

Saudia

Jeddah/Riyadh

SriLankan Airlines

Colombo (CMB)

Turkish Airlines

Istanbul (IST)

⚡ Quick Actions

📊 Routes & Destinations from Lahore

🏠 Domestic Routes

Karachi (KHI)PIAAirblueFly Jinnah
Islamabad (ISB)PIASereneAirblue
Peshawar (PEW)PIASerene
Quetta (UET)PIASerene
Multan (MUX)PIA
Skardu (KDU)PIASerene

🌍 International Routes

Dubai (DXB)EmiratesPIAAirblueAir Arabia
Doha (DOH)Qatar AirwaysPIA
Istanbul (IST)Turkish AirlinesPIA
Abu Dhabi (AUH)EtihadPIA
Jeddah (JED)SaudiaPIAflynas
Riyadh (RUH)SaudiaPIAflynas
Kuwait (KWI)Jazeera Airways
Colombo (CMB)SriLankan Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)Batik Air
London (LHR)PIABritish Airways
Manchester (MAN)PIA
Bahrain (BAH)Gulf Air

Terminals at Lahore Airport

  • Allama Iqbal Terminal: International operations (Gates 1–10)
  • Domestic Terminal: Domestic operations (Gates 11–16)
  • Immigration: Automated e-gates for NICOP holders (International)
  • VIP Lounges: CIP Lounge, PIA Business Lounge, Executive Lounge
  • Internal Transit Corridor: Covered walkway connecting Domestic & International terminals

Facilities & Services

Free WiFi
Currency Exchange
Duty Free
Prayer Areas
Medical Services
Lost & Found
Wheelchair Assist
ATMs
Restaurants & Cafés
Baby Care Rooms

Hotels Near Lahore Airport

Airport Hotel Lahore

0.5 km · ★★★☆☆

Connected via walkway
Pearl Continental Lahore

12 km · ★★★★★

Luxury stay, airport transfer
Avari Lahore

10 km · ★★★★★

Premium suites, business facilities
Nishat Hotel

8 km · ★★★★☆

Modern luxury, near Gulberg

Transport & Parking

Getting to and from LHE is easy with 24/7 transport links, while secure parking bays provide peace of mind for those driving themselves.

Transport

Navigating from Lahore Airport is effortless with multiple ground transport choices available around the clock. From pre-paid metered taxis and app-based rides like Careem and Uber to budget-friendly airport shuttles, there is an option for every traveler's needs right outside the terminal.

🚖 Pre-paid Taxi (Metro)PKR 1,000 - 1,800
📱 Ride-Hailing (Careem/Uber/InDrive)PKR 800 - 1,500
🚌 Airport Shuttle BusPKR 350 (to city center)
🔑 Car Rental (Hertz / Avis)From PKR 4,000/day

📍 Pick-up: Exit Gate 2 (Ride-hailing) | Gate 1 (Pre-paid Taxis)

Parking

The airport provides secure, CCTV-monitored parking lots with dedicated short-term and long-term bays. Whether you are dropping someone off or leaving your car for a week, the rates are competitive and the facility is patrolled 24/7 by ASF.

🅿️ Short-Term (1-3 hrs)PKR 80 / hr
🅿️ Long-Term (Daily)PKR 500 / day
🛡️ Security24/7 CCTV
PCAA sets parking rates, which are subject to change. Fees apply per time slab—confirm the exact duration at the exit counter. Cash and card accepted. Keep your ticket safe for exit.

📞 Contact & Emergency

  • 📞 Airport Enquiry: +92-42-9903-1111
  • 🚨 ASF (Security): 1990
  • 🛃 FIA Immigration: +92-42-9903-1280
  • 🧳 Lost & Found: +92-42-9903-1277
  • 🅿️ Parking Office: +92-42-9903-1222
  • ✉️ Email: info@lhe-airport.gov.pk

🆘 Emergency (Fire / Medical)

1122

Lahore Airport Location Map

📍 Get Directions on Google Maps →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel domestically from LHE with just my CNIC?
Absolutely. Pakistani nationals can board domestic flights using their original CNIC or Smart CNIC. Overseas Pakistanis with a valid NICOP card are also exempt from passport presentation for domestic sectors.
What is the taxi fare from LHE to the city center?
Pre-paid taxis charge approximately PKR 1,000-1,800 to major areas including Gulberg, Model Town, and Johar Town. Ride-hailing apps like Careem, Uber, and InDrive are also widely available.
How early should I arrive at LHE?
Domestic: 2 hours before. International: 3-4 hours recommended, especially for UK/USA flights due to FIA secondary interviews.
Does Lahore Airport have direct flights to London?
Yes. PIA operates direct flights from Lahore (LHE) to London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN). British Airways also operates direct services to London.
How many terminals does Lahore Airport have?
Allama Iqbal International Airport features two main terminals: the Allama Iqbal Terminal (international) and the Domestic Terminal, connected via a covered walkway.
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