Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE)

Lahore, PK 🇵🇰 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

OPLA

IATA

LHE

Elevation

712 ft

Region

PK-PB

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: OPLA

Local Code: Not available

Location: 31.521601° N, 74.403603° E

Continent: AS

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: OPLR

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Traveler sentiment at Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Lahore appears mixed, ranging from highly satisfied to deeply frustrated. While some travelers rate the airport with "exceptional service" and high scores for efficiency and cleanliness, others describe it as a 2-Star Airport with substandard facilities and significant operational issues.

What Travelers Love
  • Overall High Rating (from some sources): Some travelers have rated the airport highly, with an average of 9.1/10, citing exceptional service, good efficiency, and high cleanliness scores.
  • Friendly Immigration Staff (sometimes): Some reviewers have found immigration staff to be friendly and helpful.
  • Good Wi-Fi: The airport generally offers good Wi-Fi speed and connectivity.
  • Recent Parking Upgrades: The airport has implemented a modern parking system with Parking Guidance System (PGS) and LPR camera-based technology to improve efficiency.
Common Complaints
  • Substandard Facilities and Amenities: Many reviews highlight limited facilities, poor maintenance, and a lack of amenities such as charging options and a limited selection of shops and food & beverage options, particularly in the departure lounge. Some note a lack of flight information screens.
  • Inconsistent Cleanliness: While some sources praise cleanliness, others describe poor hygiene, particularly with washrooms being "very wet" and needing improvements.
  • Long Security and Immigration Wait Times: Travelers frequently report slow and chaotic security procedures, with wait times sometimes exceeding an hour. The immigration process is also described as "terrible," "busy and crowded," and slow due to limited staff.
  • Corruption and Bribes: Several accounts mention airport staff and security guards, including porters, soliciting bribes or extra fees to skip queues or bypass procedures.
  • Crowding and Poor Management: The airport can become overloaded and crowded, especially during peak times, leading to disorganization and a lack of staff to manage queues effectively.
  • Transportation Challenges: Despite the availability of taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem, getting to the airport can sometimes be difficult due to traffic jams at the departure ramp.
  • Recent Passenger Offloading: There have been recent instances of immigration officials offloading passengers due to concerns over illegal onward travel to Europe from other countries.

Overall, while Allama Iqbal International Airport shows some promising improvements in areas like parking technology, traveler experiences are significantly marred by substandard facilities, inconsistent cleanliness, lengthy security and immigration processes, and concerns about corruption. Travelers should prepare for potential delays and be vigilant about unsolicited requests from staff.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Allama Iqbal International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
16 267 16 Dec 11, 2025
Fly Jinnah
FJL / 9P
8 243 8 Dec 11, 2025
Airblue
ABQ / PA
7 234 7 Dec 11, 2025
Air Sial
SIF / PF
7 208 7 Dec 8, 2025
Saudia
SVA / SV
3 119 3 Dec 11, 2025
1 71 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 58 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 51 1 Dec 9, 2025
Emirates
UAE / EK
1 41 1 Dec 9, 2025
Malindo Air
MXD / OD
1 36 1 Dec 11, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18L/36R 11024 ft 151 ft CON Active Lighted
18R/36L 9000 ft 151 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP LAHORE APP 121.3 MHz
ATIS ATIS 126.3 MHz
GND LAHORE GND 118.4 MHz
TWR LAHORE TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
LA Lahore VOR-DME 112700 kHz
LA Lahore NDB 268 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. You can find official airport cabs as well as ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem, which are very popular and can be booked via their mobile apps. For standard taxis, it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-hailing apps provide upfront or estimated pricing, offering more transparency.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies, including international brands like Hertz and Avis alongside local providers, have counters in the arrivals terminal. Options range from self-drive to chauffeur-driven vehicles, with the latter being a common choice for visitors. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. An International Driving Permit may be required for self-drive rentals.

Public Transportation

The most direct public transit option is the Lahore Metro Bus System. A dedicated feeder bus route (B-28) connects the airport to the main Metro Bus line at Gajju Matta, providing an economical way to reach various parts of the city. This option is best for travelers with light luggage. Auto-rickshaws are not typically permitted at the terminal for pickups but are a common mode of transport throughout Lahore.

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