Allama Iqbal International Airport to Get New Terminal

The Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore is undergoing a major expansion, with a new terminal set to be completed by September 2026, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Express News reported. This expansion aims to enhance passenger experience, reduce congestion and improve airport efficiency.

The new terminal will introduce key upgrades, including a sixfold increase in immigration counters and a threefold expansion in baggage handling capacity. Dr Tauqeer Iqbal, the project lead at CAA, highlighted the upcoming improvements: departure immigration counters will increase from 10 to 64, while arrival counters will go from 18 to 80. Additionally, the number of check-in counters, security checks and baggage conveyor belts will also be significantly expanded.

Once operational, the terminal will accommodate over 12 million passengers annually, addressing long wait times and easing congestion. Currently, 5 to 5.5 million passengers travel through the airport each year, with 48 to 55 daily flights. With international travel restrictions lifted, flights to Europe and the UK are expected to increase, further boosting passenger traffic.

The existing terminal will primarily handle international flights, while the new terminal will cater to domestic passengers, with some counters allocated for international departures and arrivals. Passengers can look forward to modern facilities, including better parking, easier access to departure areas and improved boarding bridges. The project is progressing round-the-clock to meet future travel demands and enhance overall passenger convenience.

Key Upgrades at the New Terminal