Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore is set to undergo a major expansion with a new terminal aimed at improving the passenger experience and reducing overload.
The project is expected to be completed in September 2026 according to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Express News reported
The new terminal will significantly improve the airport facilities, including a six times increase in immigration counters and a triple expansion of the baggage handling capacity.
Key upgrades on the new terminal
According to Dr. Tauqeer Iqbal, the project at CAA, the expansion will introduce:
- Departure Immigration counters: Increased from 10 to 64
- Arrival immigration counters: Increased from 18 to 80
- Security Check: Doubled from 4 to 8
- Check -in counters: Increased from 25 to 67
- Customs Inspection Points: Increased from 12 to 24
- Passenger Boarding Bridges: Expanded from 4 to 6
- Belt Belts on Baggage: Increased from 2 to 6
When the terminal is completed, the terminal will have the capacity to handle over 12 million passengers annually, which facilitates the airport’s overload significantly and reduces long waiting times.
Currently, 5 to 5.5 million passengers travel through Allama Iqbal Airport each year, with 48 to 55 flights arriving and departing daily. With international travel restrictions, the number of flights to Europe and the UK is expected to increase, leading to a total increase in passenger traffic.
The expansion is designed to meet demand for travel for the next 15 to 20 years, ensuring improved facilities for both domestic and international passengers, including those traveling for Hajj and Umrah.
The existing airport terminal will be designated for international flights, while the new terminal primarily accommodates domestic flights, with a few counters allocated for international departures and arrivals.
Passengers can expect advanced facilities similar to those found at modern international airports, including dedicated parking solutions, better access to departure areas and improved boarding bridges.
The project progresses around the clock, focusing on facilitating travel experiences for passengers by tackling long waiting times, luggage handling problems and parking limits.
