Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore, code LHE, is Pakistan’s second-largest civil airport after Karachi and the main air link for Punjab. It sits on Airport Road in Cantt, about 15 km from the city centre. This page covers flights, arrivals, departures, parking, hotels and contact details for 2026-27, and you can check fares and book your seat in a few minutes on Trips.pk.
Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore at a glance
The airport handles domestic and international flights for families, workers, business travellers and pilgrims. Keep this table handy before you leave home.
| Airport detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Official name | Allama Iqbal International Airport |
| City | Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan |
| IATA code | LHE |
| ICAO code | OPLA |
| Address | Airport Road, Cantt, Lahore, Punjab 54000 |
| Distance from city centre | About 15 km |
| Drive time | 15 to 30 minutes in normal traffic |
| Terminals | Main terminal, Hajj terminal, cargo terminal |
| Time zone | Pakistan Standard Time (UTC+5) |
Book flights from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore
Fares change every day, so the best price depends on your date and airline. Booking early for Eid, summer and winter holidays often gets you a lower fare. Search your route on the Trips.pk flight page to see today’s price.
Domestic flights from Lahore
Flights link Lahore with Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Peshawar, Multan and other cities. Airlines such as PIA, Airblue and Fly Jinnah serve these routes.Pick a departure time that fits your day by checking several flights in one search.
International flights from Lahore
LHE serves the Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, China and Europe. Many travellers fly from Lahore to Dammam, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.PIA restarted London flights from Lahore in March 2026.
Umrah and Hajj flights from Lahore
Pilgrims can book Umrah packages and Hajj packages with flights and visa support in one place. Keeping flight, stay and visa together saves time. Hajj flights use the Hajj terminal.
Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore arrivals, departures and flight schedule 2026-27
Flight times move with weather, air traffic and airline decisions. A quick status check at home saves a wasted trip to Airport Road.
Check your flight status in three steps
- Find your flight number: it is on your ticket and booking email.
- Check the latest time: use your airline’s flight status page with the flight number and date.
- Check again before you leave: times can change in the last few hours, especially in winter.
Lahore airport arrivals
Keep the airline name, flight number and arrival time ready. If you are collecting someone, agree on a pickup point first so you do not wait in a crowd. Baggage and immigration add time after landing.
Lahore airport departures
Reach the terminal early with your passport, ticket and baggage ready. Many airlines ask for about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours or more before an international one.Arriving early gives you time at check-in and immigration.
Smog and fog delays
From late autumn to winter, smog and fog around Lahore can delay or cancel flights. Checking your status the night before and again that morning saves a long wait.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled
Contact your airline first, then ask about a new flight or a refund. If you booked through Trips.pk, read the refund policy and keep your booking number ready so support can help faster.
Getting to and from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore
The airport is about 15 km from the city centre. The drive usually takes 15 to 30 minutes in normal traffic, and longer at rush hour. DHA, Cantt and Garden Town are the nearest areas.
Transport options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Short description |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | Solo travellers | Taxis outside arrivals; agree the fare first |
| Private transfer | Families and luggage | Driver meets you at arrivals; fare agreed in advance |
| Hotel pickup | Hotel guests | Some hotels send a car; ask when you book |
| Rent a car | Multi-day trips | Book a rental car before you land |
| Ride-hailing app | Short city trips | App pickup point; check apps that work at LHE |
| Own car and parking | Drivers | Park near the terminal; pay by the hour or day |
Reserve a car early with rent a car in Lahore and skip the queue after a late flight.
Pickup and drop-off tips
Agree on a meeting point before you leave, and share your flight number with your driver. A fixed meeting point keeps pickups short and calm. Follow airport signs and staff instructions at the drop-off lane.
Parking fees at Lahore airport
| Vehicle | Fee |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | Rs 15 for 3 hours, then Rs 5 per extra hour |
| Car, van or jeep | Rs 90 for 3 hours, then Rs 30 per extra hour |
| Basement parking | About Rs 500 for 24 hours, Rs 4,500 per month |
Basement parking costs less per day on longer stays, so it suits a weekend trip. Fees can change, so confirm the rate before you park.
Hotels near Lahore airport
A hotel close by helps with early flights and late arrivals. Distances below are earlier listings.
| Hotel | Listed distance |
|---|---|
| The Royal Swiss Hotel | 670 m |
| Bloom Family Suites Lahore | 1.7 km |
| Grand Enclave Hotel Lahore | 2.7 km |
| Hotel Holiday | 2.9 km |
| Hotel Air Inn | 3.3 km |
| Hotel Family Ties | 3.3 km |
See more rooms on the Trips.pk hotels page and book close to Airport Road for a shorter morning rush. Ask the hotel about airport pickup and late check-in when you book.
Terminals, facilities and expansion
Three terminals
The airport has the main Allama Iqbal terminal, a Hajj terminal and a cargo terminal.Nearly all passengers use the main terminal, so check your ticket before you choose a drop-off point.
Services inside the terminal
Expect check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, a prayer area and wheelchair help on request. Free Wi-Fi is reported in the terminal. Passengers who need assistance should tell their airline before travel.
Terminal expansion
Expansion work began in 2024 to reduce crowding at peak hours and was expected to finish around late 2026. Checking for temporary changes before you travel saves time at the entrance.
Travel documents before you fly
For international flights, carry complete, original papers. Having them ready speeds up the immigration counter.
- Passport valid for the period your destination
- Visa or entry permit, where required
- Return or onward ticket
- Vaccination proof, where required
- Polio vaccination certificate for travel from Pakistan
Apply early through Trips.pk visa services and add travel insurance to cover medical bills and trip changes abroad.
Before you leave home, confirm three details: your flight number, the latest departure time and your airline’s check-in instructions.
Best time to fly from Lahore
October to March brings cooler weather, but November to January can bring heavy smog and fog. May to August is very hot, and monsoon rain in July and August can slow road traffic to the airport.
Fares and crowds peak around Eid, summer holidays and the Umrah season. Book early for those dates.
Lahore airport basics
Need another city? See our other airport guides.
Name and history
The airport opened in 1962 as Lahore International Airport and was renamed in 2003 after the poet-philosopher Allama Iqbal.
Location and map
The airport sits on Airport Road, Cantt.Open the map pin before you leave to find the right gate.
| Purpose | Number |
|---|---|
| Airport helpline | (042) 99240439 |
| PIA office, Lahore airport | (042) 111-786-786 |
For booking changes, baggage and check-in, call your airline first.
Book flights from Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore with Trips.pk
Search your route and dates on Trips.pk and see the full fare before you pay. Trips.pk is a government-registered travel agency.Choose your flight, add a hotel and finish booking in one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lahore Airport code?
The IATA code for Allama Iqbal International Airport is LHE, and the ICAO code is OPLA. Use LHE when you search and book flights, and match it with your ticket to avoid wrong-airport mistakes.
What is the full name of Lahore Airport?
The full name is Allama Iqbal International Airport. It was earlier known as Lahore International Airport and was renamed after the poet and philosopher Allama Muhammad Iqbal. Knowing both names helps you find the right airport on any booking page.
How many terminals does Allama Iqbal International Airport have?
The airport has three terminals: the Allama Iqbal Terminal for domestic and international flights, the Hajj Terminal for pilgrim flights, and a cargo terminal. Most passengers use the Allama Iqbal Terminal. Check your terminal on your ticket to reach the right check-in counter on time.
Where is Lahore Airport and how far is it from the city centre?
The airport is on Airport Road, on the north-east side of Lahore. Most airport guides place it around 15 km from the city centre, though travel time changes with traffic. Leave early for your trip to the airport, and you get a stress-free arrival at check-in.
Which cities can I fly to from Lahore Airport?
Lahore has domestic flights to cities such as Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Gilgit and Skardu, and international flights to destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Routes depend on the airline and your travel date, so check your route on the booking page. A quick check gives you a clear idea of direct and connecting options.