View source for Allama Iqbal International Airport

{{Short description|Airport serving Lahore, Pakistan}}
{{use Pakistani English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox airport
| name                = Allama Iqbal International Airport
| nativename          = {{lang|ur|{{nq|علامہ اقبال بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈه}}}}
| ensign              = 
| image               = 
| image-width         = 
| image2              = Allama Iqbal Intl Airport, Lahore.jpg
| image2-width        = 
| IATA                = LHE
| ICAO                = OPLA
| type                = Public
| owner               = 
| operator            = [[Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority]]
| city-served         = [[Lahore]]
| location            = [[Lahore]]-54810, [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]], [[Pakistan]]
| opened              = {{start date and age|1962|||df=yes}}
| hub                 = {{nowrap|[[Pakistan International Airlines]]}}
| operating_base      = {{nowrap|[[SereneAir]]}}
| metric-elev         = yes
| elevation-f         = 698
| elevation-m         = 213
| coordinates         = {{coord|31|31|17|N|74|24|12|E|type:airport_region:PK|display=inline,title}}
| website             = {{URL|www.lahoreairport.com.pk}}
| pushpin_map         = Pakistan#Asia
| pushpin_mapsize     = 
| pushpin_map_caption = 
| pushpin_label       = '''LHE'''/OPLA
| pushpin_label_position = left
| metric-rwy          = yes
| r1-number           = 18R/36L
| r1-length-f         = 8,999
| r1-length-m         = 2,743
| r1-surface          = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r2-number           = 18L/36R
| r2-length-f         = 11,024
| r2-length-m         = 3,360
| r2-surface          = [[Concrete]]
| stat-year           = July 2023 – June 2024
| stat1-header        = Passengers
| stat1-data          = 5,420,210 {{increase}} 68%
| stat2-header        = Passenger change
| stat2-data          = 
| stat3-header        = Aircraft movements
| stat3-data          = 29,003 {{decrease}} 0.5%
| stat4-header        = Cargo handled
| stat4-data          = 110,382 metric tons {{increase}} 21%
| footnotes           = Source: Statistics from the [[Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Airport Statistics|url=https://pcaawebadmin.pcaa.gov.pk/media/ykumyn4k/major-traffic-flow-airports-2023-24.pdf |publisher=Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority |access-date=5 October 2025}}</ref>
}}

'''Allama Iqbal International Airport''' ([[Punjabi language|Punjabi]] / {{langx|ur|{{Nastaliq|علامہ اقبال بین الاقوامی ہوائی اڈا}}}}, {{Airport codes|LHE|OPLA|p=n}}) is the third largest civilian airport by traffic in [[Pakistan]], after [[Jinnah International Airport]] in [[Karachi]] and [[Islamabad International Airport]]. It serves [[Lahore]], the capital of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab]] province, and the [[List of largest cities in Pakistan|second-largest city]] of Pakistan. It also serves a large number of travellers from the other nearby regions of [[Punjab, Pakistan|Punjab province]].

Originally known as '''Lahore International Airport''', it was renamed after the Islamic philosopher and poet [[Muhammad Iqbal|Allama Muhammad Iqbal]], one of the pioneers that led to the [[Pakistan Movement|creation of Pakistan]]. The airport has three terminals: the Allama Iqbal terminal, the [[Hajj]] terminal and a [[cargo terminal]]. The airport is about 15&nbsp;km from the city centre.<ref name=":0" />

== History ==
=== Post independence ===
At the time of the [[Independence of Pakistan]], [[Walton Airport]] was the main airport serving the city of Lahore. When [[Pakistan International Airlines]] (PIA) acquired its first jet aircraft, the [[Boeing 720]], [[Walton Airport]] was unequipped to handle such an aircraft. The Government of Pakistan decided to build a brand new airport on the site of a 3 runway airbase, which opened in 1962.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore {{!}} www.lahoreairport.com|url=http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/About/About-History.aspx|access-date=2020-10-14|website=www.lahoreairport.com.pk}}</ref> The airport had a specifically built runway and apron to handle aircraft up to the [[Boeing 747]]. This enabled Lahore to become accessible by international flights.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=18765|title=Thanks For Your Vote of Confidence – PIA Advertisement – History of PIA – Forum|website=Historyofpia.com|access-date=17 February 2019}}</ref> PIA initiated direct flights to both [[Dubai]], and [[London]] via [[Karachi]].<ref 
name=":0" />

=== Expansion ===
==== New airport ====
Over the course of the next 25 years, the demand for air travel rose. The government had to build a bigger terminal to meet the growing needs of the region. In March 2003, a new terminal was inaugurated by [[President of Pakistan|President]] General [[Pervez Musharraf]], originally commissioned by then ex-[[Prime Minister of Pakistan|Prime Minister]] [[Nawaz Sharif]]. The airport was named '''Allama Iqbal International Airport''' and became the second largest airport in [[Pakistan]] after the [[Jinnah International Airport]] in [[Karachi]]. All flights were switched to the new airport and the old airport was passed onto the military. However, the government later reclaimed the airport from the military and developed it into a [[Hajj]] terminal.

The [[Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority]] awarded the main contract to Airsys ATM, leader of a consortium with [[Joannou & Paraskevaides|J&P Overseas Ltd]], an international building and civil engineering contractor. Airsys ATM is a joint project from Thomson-CSF Airsys and Siemens, dedicated to air traffic management systems and airport development. The Airports Group in the [[United Kingdom|UK]] was also awarded a $70 million contract for airport systems construction. The project was implemented by a consortium of Joannou & Paraskevaides (J&P), responsible for civil and building works, and the Airports Group, responsible for the implementation of the system. Airsys ATM and Thales ATM were responsible for the fabrication and installation of the air bridges at the new terminal.

In March 2006, PIA inaugurated nonstop service between Lahore and Toronto using Boeing 777s.<ref>{{cite AV media | url=https://historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4969 | title=Now fly non-stop Pakistan to Toronto in less than 14 hours! | publisher=Pakistan International Airlines | date=3 March 2006 | medium=Advertisement | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822030529/https://historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4969 | archivedate=22 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | id={{Gale|A151071397}} | title=NA (Direct flights to US could not be operated due to security hazards, NA told) | work=Pakistan Press International | date=7 September 2006}}</ref> In 2008, the national flag carrier of the [[UAE]], [[Etihad Airways]], opened a dedicated [[Aircraft maintenance checks|aircraft line maintenance]] facility at the airport. The facility is used for day-to-day technical line maintenance on Etihad aircraft, including hydraulic structural and instrument checks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page%3D2008%5C%5C05%5C%5C30%5C%5Cstory_30-5-2008_pg7_56&date=2009-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215124259/http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2008%5C%5C05%5C%5C30%5C%5Cstory_30-5-2008_pg7_56&date=2009-09-04 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |title=Etihad Airways opens dedicated aircraft line maintenance facility in Lahore Pakistan |url-status=dead |access-date=14 February 2017 }}</ref>

In October 2020, [[British Airways]] resumed its direct flight operations to and from Lahore after 44 years. However, flights were prosponed 3 years later.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-13|title=British Airways flight lands in Lahore after 40 years|url=https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2020/10/13/british-airways-flight-lands-in-lahore-after-40-years/|access-date=2020-10-14|website=Profit by Pakistan Today|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=British Airways revives destination in Pakistan after 44 years|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/gabriele/26150-british-airways-revives-destination-in-pakistan-after-44-years|access-date=2020-10-14|website=www.aerotime.aero|language=en|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018055735/https://www.aerotime.aero/gabriele/26150-british-airways-revives-destination-in-pakistan-after-44-years|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Future plans ====
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) has planned to expand the terminal building, increasing the number of gates from 7 to 22, along with a corresponding rise in remote bays. This expansion will boost the annual passenger capacity of Lahore Airport from 6 million to 20 million, which will be sufficient to accommodate passenger demand for the next 15 to 20 years.

The new design of the Lahore Airport Expansion Project has inspiration from the national flower of Pakistan, [[Jasmine]] or locally known as "Chambeli". The airport will have four arms similar to four platters of jasmine flower.{{clarify|date=October 2024}} The original building has [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] architectural features but the new airport will have a blend of [[Spanish architecture|Spanish]] and [[Mughal architecture]].

Gates in the main terminal building will increase from seven to 22. The existing terminal building will not be demolished but will be expanded. The current parking area will be converted into arrival and departure lounges. The first phase, which included the construction of a three-story parking facility in place of the front square lawn, has been completed and is now fully operational. The second phase, which involves upgrading the main runway, is currently underway.

The design of the airport was developed by GilBartolomé Architects<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gilbartolome.com/portfolio/allama-iqbal-airport-extension-conceptual-design-lahore-pakistan/|title=Allama Iqbal Airport Expansion (Under construction)|work=GilBartolome Architects|access-date=2018-11-23|language=en-GB|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123154401/http://www.gilbartolome.com/portfolio/allama-iqbal-airport-extension-conceptual-design-lahore-pakistan/|url-status=dead}}</ref> from Spain, following a contract awarded to international Spanish Firm, TYSPA International,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.typsa.com/en/typsa-designs-the-new-lahore-airport-in-pakistan/|title=TYPSA designs the new Lahore airport in Pakistan – TYPSA|date=21 September 2016|website=TYPSA::Consulting Engineers and Architects|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-17}}</ref> which firm also worked on expanding the Madrid and São Paulo Airports. A Chinese firm, the China Construction Third Engineering Bureau, has been awarded the contract, worth US$382&nbsp;million (RMB 2.6&nbsp;billion CNY), to carry out the construction work.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pakistanpoint.com/s/161132|title=Chinese Company Contracted To Build Pakistans Largest Airport|website=Pakistan Point|access-date=17 February 2019}}</ref> During the expansion of the airport, nearby road network has also been improved, which has helped to ease traffic congestion on the roads leading to the terminal.

== Structure ==
{{prose|section|date=November 2019}}
LHE is fitted with all the essentials for domestic and international flights. The information below is correct as of September 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/departure.html |title=Welcome to Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore |access-date=11 April 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422023228/http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/departure.html |archive-date=22 April 2015  }} The official website to AIIA</ref>

{{Multiple image
|align=right
|direction=vertical
|image1= PIA Airbus A310-300 at Lahore Airport.jpg
|caption1= The new terminal (airside)
|image2= AP-BGJ, Boeing 777-200ER of Pakistan International Airlines at Allama Iqbal International Airport, 2019.jpg
|caption2= PIA Boeing 777-200ER docked on a jet-bridge
|image4= CIP-Lahore-57355.JPG
|caption4= Holding Lounge
|image5= LHEArrivals.jpeg
|caption5= Arrival boards
}}

===Apron===
*7 [[jet bridge|air bridge]]s with PSS & APSS facilities{{explain|reason=What do these terms mean?|date=February 2025}}
*23 remote parking stands

===Runway===
*Two parallel runways: one concrete, the other asphalt
*Primary Runway 36R/18L: 3,360 metres long, 45 metres wide, 15 metres shoulders on both sides. Max. capacity: [[Airbus A380]]. 
*Secondary Runway 36L/18R: 2,743 metres long, 46 metres wide. Max. capacity: [[Boeing 747-400]].
*Parallel taxiway for rapid entry/exit
*2 rapid exit taxiways (newly constructed)
*Instrument Landing System Category-II and ILS CAT-IIIB on RWY 36R.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tns.thenews.com.pk/pakistan-international-airlines-fogbound-losses/|title=Fogbound losses|date=11 January 2015|website=TNS – The News on Sunday|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-17}}</ref>
*Navigational aids: DVOR/DME/TDME, NDB, OM, MM

===Airport services===
*Pakistan State Oil provides fuel services to all airlines flying out of the airport (Jet A-100).
*Fire fighting and Rescue Services. Category: 9.
*FIDS systems located in the lounges and briefing concourses showing television programmes and flight information
*Airport Mosque, with five times daily and Jummah prayers, located outside the airport on the left-hand side of the terminal building
*CAA Porter services and Metro cab services are available.
*Customs and Immigration for international flights
*Cargo and luggage wrapping services
*Passenger assistance services (upon request)
*Full-service branches of National Bank of Pakistan, Habib Bank Ltd, Bank Al-Falah, and Allied Bank Ltd. along with ATMs
*Pakistan Post fully-staffed location

===Ground handling agents===
*Pakistan International Airlines
*Shaheen Airport Services (SAPS)
*Gerry's DNATA Ground Handling & Cargo
*MENZIES-RAS AIRPORT SERVICES (RAPS)

==Airlines and destinations==

===Passenger===
<!-- Please use only independent sources. The airport and airline itself are not independent sources. -->
{{Airport-dest-list
<!-- -->
| [[Aero Nomad Airlines]] | [[Manas International Airport|Bishkek]]
<!-- -->
| [[Air Arabia]] | [[Ras Al Khaimah International Airport|Ras Al Khaimah]]
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| [[Airblue]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]], [[Skardu International Airport|Skardu]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Airblue Plans Lahore – Skardu Service in NS25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241223-pans25kdu |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[AirSial]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geo.tv/latest/321300-airsial|title = AirSial expected to start operations in Pakistan next month, first plane lands in Karachi | date=29 November 2020 }}</ref> [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]<ref>{{cite web |title=AirSial Adds Lahore – Riyadh From April 2025 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250416-pfns25ruh |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref> 
<!-- -->
| [[Azerbaijan Airlines]] | [[Heydar Aliyev International Airport|Baku]]<ref name="AZALtoPAK">{{cite news |title=Azerbaijan Airlines Launches Pakistan Service From late-Sep 2023 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230817-j2sep23pk |access-date=17 August 2023 |work=AeroRoutes |date=17 August 2023 |language=en-CA}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Batik Air Malaysia]] | [[Kuala Lumpur International Airport|Kuala Lumpur–International]]
<!-- -->
| [[China Southern Airlines]] | [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]]<ref>{{cite web |title=China Southern adds Guangzhou – Lahore from late-Dec 2023|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231122-czdec23lhe|website=Aeroroutes|access-date=22 November 2023}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]
<!-- --> 
| [[Etihad Airways]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]]
<!-- -->
| [[Flyadeal]] | [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]<ref>{{cite web |title=flyadeal Adds Riyadh – Lahore Service in NW25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250929-f3nw25ruhlhe |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=30 September 2025}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Flydubai]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240625-fzjul24pk |title=Flydubai Expands Pakistan Network From July 2024 |publisher=AeroRoutes|date=25 June 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Fly Jinnah]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.islamabadscene.com/pakistans-low-cost-airline-fly-jinnah-set-to-commence-operations-after-securing-license/ | title=Pakistan's low-cost airline Fly Jinnah set to commence operations after securing license | date=20 October 2022 }}</ref><ref>[https://flyjinnah.com/ Fly Jinnah Official website]</ref> | [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250210-9pns25intl |title=FlyJinnah NS25 Middle East Network Additions |publisher=Aeroroutes|date=10 February 2025}}</ref> [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]],<ref>{{Cite web | title=Low-cost airline launches new flights to DXB|url=https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/fly-jinnah-dxb|website=Time Out Dubai|access-date=15 September 2025}}</ref> [[King Abdul Aziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]],<ref>{{cite web |title=FlyJinnah Adds Lahore – Muscat in 2Q25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250324-9pns25mct |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=24 March 2025}}</ref> [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]]
<!-- -->
| [[Flynas]] | [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]
<!-- -->
| [[Gulf Air]] | [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]]
<!-- -->
| [[Iran Air]] | [[Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport|Mashhad]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Iran Air Adds Mashhad – Lahore in NW25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/251006-irnw25lhe |website=AeroRoutes |access-date=7 October 2025 |language=en-CA |date=6 October 2025}}</ref> 
<!-- -->
| [[Iraqi Airways]] | [[Al Najaf International Airport|Najaf]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Iraq expands air links with Najaf–Lahore route|url=https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-expands-air-links-with-Najaf-Lahore-route |website=Shafaq |access-date=3 October 2025}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Jazeera Airways]] | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]
<!-- -->
| [[Kuwait Airways]] | [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]]
<!-- -->
| [[Mahan Air]] | [[Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport|Tehran–Imam Khomeini]]
<!-- -->
| {{nowrap|[[Pakistan International Airlines]]}} | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Bahrain International Airport|Bahrain]],<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Pakistan International to resume Lahore – Bahrain from mid-Sep 2020 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/293433/pakistan-international-to-resume-lahore-bahrain-from-mid-sep-2020/ |website=Routesonline |access-date=31 August 2020}}</ref> [[Heydar Aliyev International Airport|Baku]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Pakistan International Resume Lahore – Baku Service in NS25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250402-pkns25gyd |access-date=2 April 2025 |work=AeroRoutes |date=2 April 2025 |language=en-CA}}</ref> [[King Fahd International Airport|Dammam]], [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]], [[Kuwait International Airport|Kuwait City]], [[Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport|Medina]], [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]], [[Quetta Airport|Quetta]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]], [[Toronto Pearson International Airport|Toronto–Pearson]]
<!-- -->
| [[Qatar Airways]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]
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| [[SalamAir]] | [[Muscat International Airport|Muscat]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240527-ovjun24 |title=SALAMAIR JUNE 2024 SOUTH ASIA NETWORK EXPANSION |website=Aeroroutes|access-date=28 May 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Saudia]] | [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[King Khalid International Airport|Riyadh]]
<!-- -->
| [[Serene Air]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[King Abdulaziz International Airport|Jeddah]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]], [[Quetta Airport|Quetta]], [[Sharjah International Airport|Sharjah]] 
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| [[SriLankan Airlines]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]] 
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| [[Taban Air]] | [[Mashhad Shahid Hasheminejad International Airport|Mashhad]]
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| [[Thai Airways International]] | [[Suvarnabhumi Airport|Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/929810-thai-airways-resumes-direct-flights|title=Thai Airways resumes direct flights |date=February 2022 }}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Turkish Airlines]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Turkish Airlines Expands Pakistan Service in NW25 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/250630-tknw25pk |website=AeroRoutes |access-date=1 July 2025 |language=en-CA |date=1 July 2025}}</ref>
<!-- -->
|[[Uzbekistan Airways]] | [[Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport|Tashkent]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=Uzbekistan Airways Resumes Lahore Service From Nov 2024 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241018-hynw24lhe |access-date=20 October 2024 |work=AeroRoutes |date=18 October 2024 |language=en-CA}}</ref>

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}}

===Cargo===
{{More citations needed section|date=July 2025}}
{{Airport destination list
<!-- -->
| [[DHL Aviation]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Bagram Airbase|Bagram]], [[Bahrain International|Bahrain]]<ref>[http://www.etihad.com/en/about-us/news/archive/2014/dhl-and-etihad-cargo-increase-connectivity-through-the-middle-east/ DHL and Etihad Cargo increase connectivity through the Middle East] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105225943/http://www.etihad.com/en/about-us/news/archive/2014/dhl-and-etihad-cargo-increase-connectivity-through-the-middle-east/ |date=5 November 2014 }}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[Egyptair|Egyptair Cargo]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=31143 | title=Egypt Air Cargo Starting Flights for Lahore - History of PIA - Forum }}</ref> | [[Cairo International Airport|Cairo]]
<!-- -->
| [[FitsAir]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]
<!-- -->
| [[Maximus Air Cargo]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]]
<!-- -->
| [[MNG Airlines]] | [[Abu Dhabi International Airport|Abu Dhabi]], [[Kabul International Airport|Kabul]]
<!-- -->
| [[Qatar Airways|Qatar Cargo]] | [[Hamad International Airport|Doha]]
<!-- -->
| [[SF Airlines]] | [[Ezhou Huahu Airport|Ezhou]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202401/13/WS65a28967a3105f21a507c21f.html|title=SF Airlines launches China-Pakistan intl air cargo route|publisher=China Daily|date=13 January 2024|accessdate=15 January 2024}}</ref>
<!-- -->
| [[SriLankan Airlines|SriLankan Cargo]] | [[Bandaranaike International Airport|Colombo–Bandaranaike]]
<!-- -->
| [[TCS Couriers]] | [[Dubai International Airport|Dubai–International]], [[Jinnah International Airport|Karachi]]
<!-- -->
| [[Turkish Airlines|Turkish Cargo]] | [[Istanbul Airport|Istanbul]]
<!-- -->
|[[Uzbekistan Airways]] | [[Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport|Tashkent]]
<!-- -->
| [[YTO Cargo Airlines]] | [[Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport|Guangzhou]], [[Kunming Changshui International Airport|Kunming]], [[Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport|Lanzhou]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nation.com.pk/05-Dec-2019/new-cargo-air-service-links-lahore-lanzhou-in-nw-china|title=New cargo air service links Lahore, Lanzhou in NW China|date=5 December 2019|website=The Nation|access-date=22 May 2020}}</ref>
}}

== Statistics ==
The following table provides details of the major traffic flows out of Lahore in terms of passenger numbers, aircraft movements, cargo and mail. Note that the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan operates with fiscal years starting on July and ending in June of next year. The results were collected from the [https://www.caapakistan.com.pk/AT/AT-EO-Stats.aspx Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan website.]:<ref>[http://www.caapakistan.com.pk/AviationStatisticsView.aspx Statistical Information of CAA Pakistan] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219064621/http://www.caapakistan.com.pk/AviationStatisticsView.aspx |date=19 February 2009 }} [[CAA Pakistan]], assessed 8 March 2009</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="background:white; font-size:95%;"
|- style="background:#ef8f0f; text-align:center;"
! Fiscal year !! Aircraft movements !! Passengers (intl & domestic)!! Cargo handled (m. tons) !! Mail handled (m. tons)
|-
| 2006
| 30,991
| 2,779,223
| 66,643
| 1,582
|-
| 2007
| 29,298
| 3,018,220
| 75,816
| 1,713
|-
|2008
| 30,299
| 3,217,844
| 76,030
| 1,113
|-
| 2009
| 24,804
| 3,506,262
| 84,798
| 1,739
|-
| 2010
| 31,093
| 3,459,211
| 80,308
| 1,449
|-
| 2011
| 30,592
| 3,680,436
| 77,057
| 1,544
|-
|2012
|31,498
|4,122,009
|91,015
|1,121
|-
|2013
|29,942
|4,529,682
|89,376
|1,348
|-
|2014
|29,896
|4,606,767
|83,715
|250
|-
|2015
|34,619
|4,876,129
|88,750
|239
|-
|2016
|38,924
|4,989,462
|98,254
|302
|-
|2017
|39,228
|5,031,857
|105,019
|261
|-
||2018
|32,304
|4,490,182
|87,969
|190
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" width=align=
|+ Busiest routes at Allama Iqbal International Airport (by number of flights weekly)
|-
! Rank||City||Country||Number of flights||Airlines
|-
|1
| [[Karachi]]||{{flag|Pakistan}}
|69
|[[airblue]], [[AirSial]], [[Fly Jinnah]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]], [[SereneAir]]
|-
|2
| [[Jeddah]]||{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|50
|[[airblue]], [[AirSial]], [[Fly Jinnah]], [[Flynas]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]], [[Saudia]], [[SereneAir]]
|-
|3
| [[Dubai]]||{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|42
|[[airblue]], [[Emirates (airline)|Emirates]], [[Flydubai]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]], [[SereneAir]]
|-
|4
| [[Riyadh]]||{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|19
|[[airblue]], [[Fly Jinnah]], [[flynas]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]], [[Saudia]]
|-
|5
|[[Sharjah]]
|{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|18
|[[airblue]], [[Fly Jinnah]]
|-
|6
| [[Abu Dhabi]]||{{flag|United Arab Emirates}}
|17
|[[airblue]], [[Etihad Airways]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]]
|-
|7
| [[Doha]]||{{flag|Qatar}}
|14
|[[Qatar Airways]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]]
|-
|8
| [[Istanbul]]||{{flag|Turkey}}
|14
||[[Turkish Airlines]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]]
|-
|9
| [[Dammam]]||{{flag|Saudi Arabia}}
|12
|[[AirSial]], [[Fly Jinnah]], [[flynas]], [[Pakistan International Airlines]]
|-
|10
|[[Kuala Lumpur]]
|{{flag|Malaysia}}
|7
|[[Batik Air]]
|}

== Awards and recognitions ==
* Allama Iqbal International Airport was ranked the world's leading airport by [[Singapore Airlines]] in service performance in 2006.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.historyofpia.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=10200&view=next|title=Allama Iqbal International Airport Tops in Services – History of PIA – Forum|website=Historyofpia.com|access-date=2019-02-17}}</ref>

== Accidents ==
On 17 January 2025, an international Airbus A320 operated by Pakistan International Airlines landed on the secondary runway 36L, despite being cleared to land on the primary runway 36R. The lights on runway 36L were even turned off. The cockpit crew was immediately grounded by the airline. The flight, originally scheduled from Dammam to Multan, had been diverted to Lahore due to low visibility in Multan.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/pia-landing-wrong-runway-lahore | title=PIA under safety spotlight again as aircraft lands on closed runway in Lahore - AeroTime | date=20 January 2025 }}</ref>

On 13 March 2025, an Airbus A320 operated by Pakistan International Airlines landed at Lahore International Airport with a missing wheel raising serious issues about pre flight checks.<ref>{{cite web | title=A close call: PIA makes miraculous landing in Lahore without one wheel | date=13 March 2025 | url=https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/a-close-call-pia-makes-miraculous-landing-in-lahore-without-one-wheel-1.500059779 }}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Airlines of Pakistan]]
* [[List of airports in Pakistan]]
* [[Shaheen Airport Services]]
* [[Transport in Pakistan]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category-inline}}
* [https://ftfs.com.pk/airports-in-pakistan.html Airport information in Pakistan]
* [https://ftfs.com.pk/city/opla-lhe-ground-handling-lahore-pakistan.html Allama Iqbal Int'l Airport information]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060218183802/http://www.lahoreairport.com.pk/ Allama Iqbal International Airport]
* [http://www.airport-technology.com/projects/lahore/ Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore] 
* {{ASN|LHE}}
* {{SkyVector|OPLA}}
* {{NWS-current|OPLA}}

{{portal bar|Pakistan|Aviation}}
{{Airports in Pakistan}}
{{Active Pakistan Air Force bases}}
{{Pakistan International Airlines}}
{{Lahore}}
{{authority control}}

[[Category:Airports in Punjab, Pakistan]]
[[Category:Allama Iqbal International Airport| ]]
[[Category:Lahore]]
[[Category:Airports established in 1962]]
[[Category:1962 establishments in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Memorials to Muhammad Iqbal]]