Pakistan Airports Guide — 2026
Pakistan has four major international airports serving millions of passengers annually. Whether you are travelling to Pakistan for the first time or a returning expat, this guide covers everything you need to know about arrivals, departures, facilities and ground transport.
Islamabad International Airport (ISB)
| IATA Code | ISB |
| ICAO Code | OPIS |
| Location | Fateh Jang, 30 km from Islamabad |
| Opened | 2018 (New Islamabad International) |
| Terminals | 1 (International + Domestic) |
| Annual Passengers | ~9 million |
Pakistan's newest and largest airport, serving the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The modern terminal features duty-free shopping, lounges, and CIP facilities. It is the hub for PIA and serves as a major gateway for travellers heading to northern Pakistan.
Jinnah International Airport, Karachi (KHI)
| IATA Code | KHI |
| ICAO Code | OPKC |
| Location | Karachi, Sindh |
| Terminals | 3 (Jinnah International, Jinnah Domestic, Hajj Terminal) |
| Annual Passengers | ~8 million |
| Airlines | 40+ international and domestic |
Pakistan's busiest airport by cargo volume and a major international hub. Karachi serves as the primary gateway for travellers heading to Sindh, Balochistan and southern Punjab. The Hajj Terminal handles seasonal pilgrim traffic to Saudi Arabia. Major carriers include PIA, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore (LHE)
| IATA Code | LHE |
| ICAO Code | OPLA |
| Location | Lahore, Punjab |
| Terminals | 2 (International + Domestic, Hajj Terminal) |
| Annual Passengers | ~7 million |
| Key Routes | Gulf states, UK, Turkey, China |
Lahore's international airport is the main gateway to Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province. Named after the national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal, it is particularly busy during religious holidays and the wedding season. The airport is well-connected to Gulf states, with frequent flights to Dubai, Jeddah, Doha and Abu Dhabi.
Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar (PEW)
| IATA Code | PEW |
| ICAO Code | OPPS |
| Location | Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa |
| Terminals | 1 (Combined International/Domestic) |
| Annual Passengers | ~2.5 million |
| Key Routes | Gulf states, domestic |
Peshawar's airport serves Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and is a key gateway for travellers heading to the tribal areas, Swat Valley and the historic Khyber Pass region. It handles significant traffic to Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, serving the large Pashtun diaspora in those countries.
Other Pakistan Airports
Beyond the four major internationals, Pakistan has several secondary airports handling domestic and limited international flights:
| Airport | IATA | City/Region | International? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Faisalabad International | LYP | Faisalabad, Punjab | Limited |
| Multan International | MUX | Multan, Punjab | Yes (Gulf routes) |
| Quetta International | UET | Quetta, Balochistan | Limited |
| Sialkot International | SKT | Sialkot, Punjab | Yes (Gulf, UK) |
| Gwadar International | GWD | Gwadar, Balochistan | Under expansion (CPEC) |
| Turbat International | TUK | Turbat, Balochistan | Limited |
| Gilgit Airport | GIL | Gilgit-Baltistan | No (domestic only) |
| Skardu Airport | KDU | Gilgit-Baltistan | No (domestic only) |
| Chitral Airport | CJL | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | No (domestic only) |
General Airport Tips for Pakistan
Before You Fly
- Arrive 3-4 hours before international flights (security is thorough)
- Have your passport and boarding pass ready for multiple checkpoints
- Currency exchange available landside and airside
- SIM cards available at arrival halls (Jazz, Telenor, Zong)
Ground Transport
- Ride-hailing apps (Careem, InDriver) work at all major airports
- Official taxi counters available — agree on fare first
- Metro bus connections in Islamabad and Lahore
- Car rental available but driving can be challenging for visitors
Quick Links
Major Airlines in Pakistan
- PIA — Pakistan International Airlines (national carrier)
- Airblue — Private domestic + limited international
- Serene Air — Private domestic carrier
- AirSial — Sialkot-based carrier
- Fly Jinnah — Low-cost carrier
Popular international carriers: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Saudi Arabian Airlines, flydubai, Air Arabia, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, British Airways (to/from London).