IN THIS POST
– Allama Iqbal International Airport
– Multan International Airport
– Sialkot International Airport
– Faisalabad International Airport
– Bahawalpur Airport
– Domestic Airports in Punjab
– FAQs
Home to more than half of the country’s entire population, Punjab is a hub for trade and commerce in the region. It also houses some of the most modern and well-equipped airports in Pakistan, allowing regular travellers, government officials, diplomats and business executives to fly from one destination to another with ease and comfort. To help you find a facility closest to your city, we have put together a list of international and domestic airports in Punjab that covers all that you need to know.
International Airports in Punjab
Let’s start with the list of international airports in Punjab.
Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore
Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP) is the third-largest airport in Pakistan spanning an area of 1.364 acres. This facility not only serves the residents of Lahore, which is the second-biggest city in the country, but also those living in the nearby area. It comprises three terminals and three lounges, two runways, parking space for 22 aircraft. The airport also provides travellers with a range of amenities and facilities to assist them in their journey.
More commonly referred to as Lahore International Airport, this facility was inaugurated in 1962. However, the state-of-the-art Allama Iqbal terminal was constructed in the 2000s. As of right now, the Allama Iqbal International Airport handles millions of passengers and thousands of tonnes of cargo per annum, making it one of the busiest airports in Pakistan.
Like almost all other civilian airports in Pakistan, the Allama Iqbal International Airport is operated by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Its security is provided by the Civil Aviation Management and the Airport Security Force, who have installed CCTV cameras in every corner of the facility along with metal detectors and other security equipment to ensure the safety of passengers.
Location
The Allama Iqbal International Airport is located about 15 kilometres north-east of the main city on Airport Road in Cantt. You can easily access it through the Lahore Ring Road.
Code
Each international airport in the world is awarded a unique code by the International Airport Transport Association, also known as IATA, for smooth and secure flight operations. The IATA code for the Allama Iqbal International Airport is LHE.
On the other hand, the International Civil Aviation Organisation, which is also referred to as ICAO, has provided the Lahore International Airport with a unique code OPLA for operational purposes.
Terminals and Lounges
The Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore the airport comprises three terminals: the Allama Iqbal terminal for domestic and international flights, the Hajj terminal for the arrival and departure of pilgrims, and a cargo terminal.
Meanwhile, the three lounges at Allama Iqbal International Airport include two CIP lounges for international and domestic flights and a Hajj Lounge.
Facilities
These are some of the most noteworthy facilities offered at the Lahore International Airport:
- Free WiFi
- Banks
- ATMs
- Money exchange service
- Porter services
- Medical services
- Cafeteria and restaurants
- Duty-free shops
- Mobile charging stations
- Coach service booking counter
Contact Details
Address: Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP), Airport Road, Lahore.
Phone: 042-99031000
Website: www.lahoreairport.com.pk
Email Address: info.lahore@caapakistan.com.pk
Multan International Airport
The Multan International Airport is the first aerodrome in the City of Saints that not only facilitates the domestic and international passengers travelling to and fro Multan but also to nearby towns and cities such as Khanewal, Vehari, Pakpattan, Sahiwal, Rajanpur and Muzaffargarh. This modern airport complex also provides passengers with all the latest amenities and facilities to ensure a hassle-free flight and journey.
The Multan International Airport was constructed even before the independence of Pakistan. In fact, it was used as an airbase by the Royal Air force before 1934. However, the modern history of this airport began in 2010 after the beginning of the construction work at the Terminal building (Phase II), completion of a new runway, and the inauguration of the Pakistan International Airlines first direct Hajj flight from Multan.
Considered one of the most important international airports in Punjab, this facility is also operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan while its security is overseen by the Airport Security Force.
The arrival hall at the Multan International Airport has the capacity for up to 135 passengers while the departure hall can accommodate as many as 300 people.
Location
The Multan International Airport is located on Airport Road, which links to some of the major routes in the city including Kaswar Gardezi Road and Nusrat Road. You can also access the airport through Vehari Road or to the Northern Bypass.
Code
The IATA airport code for Multan International Airport is MUX. Meanwhile, its ICAO airport code is OPMT.
Terminals and Lounges
The airport complex has one passenger terminal comprising the arrival and departure halls for both domestic and international passengers.
The airport also has four lounges, including a business class lounge for premium passengers, a CIP lounge, a domestic economy class lounge and an international economy class lounge.
Facilities
These are some of the most prominent facilities offered at the Lahore International Airport:
- Free internet access
- Mosque and prayer area
- Mobile charging stations
- Emergency and medical services
- Protocol and porter services
- Special care for senior citizens
- Post office
- Banks
- ATMs
- Cafeteria and kiosks
- Retail Stores
Contact Details
Address: Multan International Airport, Airport Road, Multan.
Phone: 061-9202601-6 | Ext: 6050
Website: www.multaninternationalairport.com.pk
Email Address: apm.multan@caapakistan.com.pk
Sialkot International Airport
The Sialkot International Airport (SIAL) is the first privately-owned public airport in Pakistan comprising an area of about 1,014 acres. Before the inauguration of the new Islamabad International Airport, this airport had the distinction of having the longest runway in Pakistan. It is also considered the first-ever greenfield airport as well as one of the biggest privately-owned international airbases in Pakistan.
This modern facility is owned and operated by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce & Industry and consists of a Passenger Terminal, Amenities Block, Gate House, ATC Tower, Cargo Complex, FCR Building, WAPDA Room and Water Tower. It also provides a range of top-notch amenities and facilities to the travellers.
Owing to its status as one of the secondary international airports in Punjab, the Sialkot International Airport is expected to handle about 1,000,000 passengers from the city and nearby areas on an annual basis.
Location
The Sialkot International Airport is located around 14 km west of Airport Road in Sialkot. It can also be accessed through Daska Road and Sialkot-Wazirabad Road along with Sialkot-Lahore (M1) Motorway.
Code
The IATA airport code for the Sialkot International Airport is SKT, whereas its ICAO code is OPST.
Terminals and Lounges
The Sialkot International Airport houses a single terminal for both domestic and international passengers. It also has a CIP lounge to accommodate business class, first-class, skywards platinum, and economy class passengers. Travellers can access it by paying USD 10 per person.
Facilities
Let’s take a look at the major facilities being offered at the first privately-owned international airports in Punjab:
- Porter services
- Designated prayer areas
- Car Rental Services
- Duty-free shops
- Money exchange service
- Banks
- ATM facilities
- Restaurant and kiosks
Contact Details
Address: 14/7 Zafar Ali Road, Cantt, Sialkot.
Phone: 052-111-742575
Website: www.sial.com.pk
E-mail Address: info@sial.com.pk
Faisalabad International Airport
The Faisalabad International Airport may not be as large as other airports in Punjab but it is certainly one of the most important ones in the regions. Though its history dates back to 1942, the airport terminal and apron were constructed in 1967. In 1972, the government built a new runway, after which other important structures such as the jet apron, air traffic control building and met offices were established. Later in 1985, a premium lounge was added to the airport complex while the terminal building was extended the next year to accommodate the growing number of passengers using the facility. In 1993, CIP lounge was also constructed at Faisalabad International Airport. The direct Hajj operations from the city started in 1998.
Along with those travelling to and fro from Faisalabad, this facility also caters to the passengers from Jhang, Chiniot, Jaranwala, Sargodha, Gojra, Dijikot, Sangla Hill, and Toba Tek Singh among others.
The Faisalabad International Airport is operated and managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan while its security operations are supervised by the Airport Security Force.
Owing to the increased number of flights and greater estimates of passenger growth, this facility in Faisalabad is expected to be redeveloped to meet the international standards.
Location
Faisalabad International Airport is situated on Jhang Road, approximately 10 kilometres away from the city centre.
Code
The unique IATA airport code for Faisalabad international Airport is LYP. The ICAO airport code for this facility is OPFA.
Terminals and Lounges
The Faisalabad International Airport has a single terminal. Moreover, apart from the well-equipped arrival and departure lounges, the facility has an Executive Lounge that can accommodate 20 people and a CIP lounge with 24 seats.
Facilities
Here are some of the facilities being offered at the Faisalabad International Airport.
- Porter services
- Banks
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Emergency and medical facilities
- Restaurant and coffee shop
- Special care for senior citizens
Contact Details
Address: Faisalabad International Airport, Airport Road, Faisalabad.
Phone: 111-222-114, 080000114
Website: www.faisalabadairport.com.pk
Email Address: info.faisalabad@caapakistan.com.pk
Now that we’ve discussed the major international commercial airports in Punjab let’s take a look at the smaller ones operating in the region.
Bahawalpur Airport
The Bahawalpur Airport was established in 1986 though the redevelopment work to transform it into a modern and advanced facility started in the 2000s. A new terminal was constructed under the supervision of the United Arab Emirates government. It was named after Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of the UAE, who had provided the financial assistance for the project.
In November 2002, the first portion of the airport’s 4,400-foot-long runway was opened as part of Phase 1 of the project. In 2007, Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated Phase 2 of the redevelopment project.
The airport extension is being overseen by the Defence Ministry of Pakistan and Dubai Civil Aviation Department. CCTV cameras have also been installed in each corner of the airport building to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and staff alike. The facility comprises arrival and departure halls, airline offices, engineering and security support centres, and cargo areas. A new traffic control tower has also been built inside the airport complex.
As of now, Bahawalpur Airport offers flights to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi as well as Hajj flights to Jeddah.
Location
Bahawalpur Airport is located about 3.7 kilometres from the city centre.
Code
The IATA code for Bahawalpur Airport is BHV, while its unique ICAO code is OPBW.
Terminals and Lounges
Bahawalpur Airport has a single terminal.
Moreover, apart from the arrival and departure lounges, the Bahawalpur Airport also has a CIP lounge. A Royal Lounge has also been constructed near the main terminal building exclusively for the members of the royal family.
Facilities
These are some of the most noteworthy facilities available at Bahawalpur Airport.
- Well-equipped lounges
- Food outlets
- Central air-conditioning
- Parking space
- Lush green lawns
Contact Details
Address: Airport Road, New Cantt, Bahawalpur.
Phone: 062-9255605
Domestic Airports in Punjab
Here are the domestic airports in Punjab.
Dera Ghazi Khan Airport
The Dera Ghazi Khan Airport, more commonly referred to as the DG Khan Airport, is located about 15 kilometres from the city centre. The IATA airport code for this facility is DEA while its ICAO code is OPDG.
This airport mainly caters to the population of Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby towns. It offers flights to Karachi through Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Shaikh Zayed International Airport, Rahim Yar Khan
The Sheikh Zayed International Airport is located in Rahim Yar Khan. It was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, who provided financial assistance for the completion of this facility as well as other developmental projects in the city.
The IATA airport code for the Rahim Yar Khan Airport is RYK. On the other hand, its ICAO airport code in OPRK.
Presently, this airport offers flights to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi through PIA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the largest airport in Pakistan?
Islamabad International Airport is the largest airport in Pakistan, covering more than 3,200 acres of land. It is followed by the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, which is deemed as the busiest airport in Pakistan.
How many airports are there in Pakistan?
The total number of airfields in Pakistan is estimated to be 139. However, major international airports in Pakistan are situated in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
How many international airports are there in Punjab?
Presently, there are four international airports in Punjab.
Which is the biggest airport in Punjab?
The Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore, is deemed to be the largest airport in Punjab.
This brings an end to our list of airports in Punjab.
If you are someone who travels frequently, here are some tips on how to make the most of an airport layover that you may find interesting. On the other hand, if you are planning to buy or rent a house, here are some pros and cons of living near an airport that you should be aware of.
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Disclaimer: Please note the information mentioned above has been extracted from the official website of the Civil Aviation Authority, respective airports as well as articles published in leading English newspapers.
