Allama Iqbal International Airport

Allama Iqbal International Airport is a major Pakistan airport located in Lahore, the second largest city of Pakistan, named after the famous Pakistani poet and philosopher Muhammad Iqbal. The airport serves as a major hub for Pakistan International Airlines, Shaheen Air, and Airblue, and is also a focus city for Serene Air and AirSial. It is located about 15 kilometers from the center of Lahore, near the Grand Trunk Road, and is connected to major cities like Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

● Overview

The airport is situated near the Ravi River and is surrounded by major landmarks like the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Wazir Khan Mosque. It is also close to the University of the Punjab, Lahore University of Management Sciences, and National College of Arts. The airport has two runways, with the main runway being 3,360 meters long and 46 meters wide, and is equipped with modern navigation and landing systems, including Instrument Landing System and Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range. The airport is managed by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of all Pakistani airports, including Jinnah International Airport and Islamabad International Airport.

● History

The airport was originally known as Lahore International Airport and was renamed in 2003 in honor of Muhammad Iqbal, a famous Pakistani poet and philosopher who is widely regarded as the national poet of Pakistan. The airport has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years, including the construction of a new terminal building in 2003, which was designed by Arshad Shahid Abdullah and built by Descon Engineering. The airport has also been upgraded with modern facilities and equipment, including X-ray machines and explosive detection systems, to improve security and efficiency. The airport has played a significant role in the development of Pakistan's aviation industry, with major airlines like Pakistan International Airlines and Airblue operating from the airport.

● Facilities

The airport has a range of facilities, including a CIP Lounge for business and first-class passengers, a Prayer Room for passengers and staff, and a Medical Center with modern medical equipment and staff. The airport also has a range of shops and restaurants, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and Subway, as well as a Duty-Free Shop and a Currency Exchange Office. The airport is also equipped with modern security systems, including CCTV cameras and metal detectors, to ensure the safety and security of passengers and staff. The airport is connected to major hotels like the Pearl Continental Hotel and the Avari Hotel, and is also close to major landmarks like the Lahore Museum and the National Museum of Science and Technology.

● Airlines and Destinations

The airport is served by a range of airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines, Airblue, Shaheen Air, and Serene Air, which operate flights to major destinations like Karachi, Islamabad, and Peshawar, as well as international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London. The airport is also a hub for Turkish Airlines, which operates flights to Istanbul and other European destinations. Other airlines that operate from the airport include Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air, which offer flights to major destinations in the Middle East and Europe. The airport is also connected to major airports like Jinnah International Airport and Islamabad International Airport, and is a major hub for domestic and international travel in Pakistan.

● Statistics

The airport handles over 4 million passengers per year, with a peak of over 1 million passengers per month during the summer season. The airport has a total of 12 gates, with 6 gates for domestic flights and 6 gates for international flights. The airport also has a range of ground handling equipment, including aircraft tractors and baggage carts, to ensure efficient and safe handling of aircraft and passengers. The airport is also a major cargo hub, with a range of cargo airlines like Pakistan International Airlines Cargo and DHL Aviation operating from the airport. The airport is connected to major logistics companies like Maersk and DP World, and is a major hub for trade and commerce in Pakistan.

● Incidents

The airport has experienced several incidents over the years, including a hijacking in 1998, when a Pakistan International Airlines flight was hijacked by a group of militants. The airport has also experienced several security breaches, including a terrorist attack in 2014, when a group of Taliban militants attacked the airport. The airport has also been affected by several natural disasters, including a flood in 2010, which caused significant damage to the airport's infrastructure. The airport has been upgraded with modern security systems and equipment, including X-ray machines and explosive detection systems, to improve security and efficiency. The airport is also connected to major emergency services like the Pakistan Air Force and the National Disaster Management Authority, and is equipped to handle major emergencies and incidents.