Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) — Complete Airport Guide
Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) is Pakistan's third-busiest airport, serving the cultural capital Lahore. Named after the national poet of Pakistan, it handles over 6 million passengers annually and is a major hub for flights to the Middle East.
Airport at a Glance
IATA Code: LHE
City: Lahore
Location: Cantonment area (15 km from city centre)
Terminals: 2 terminals (Allama Iqbal Terminal for international, Hajj Terminal seasonal)
Airlines & Destinations
International airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, Saudia, flynas, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Oman Air, PIA, and more.
Domestic routes: Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, Multan, Faisalabad via PIA, Airblue, Serene Air.
Most international flights depart late evening/early morning for Gulf connections.
Ground Transport
- Careem/Uber: Best option. To Old Lahore/Walled City: PKR 800-1,500 (~$3-5). To Gulberg/DHA: PKR 600-1,200.
- Airport taxi: Prepaid counter in arrivals. Slightly more expensive than Careem.
- Metro bus: Airport station connects to the Lahore Metro Bus system. PKR 40.
- Orange Line Metro Train: Nearest station is a short ride from the airport.
Facilities
- Free Wi-Fi available
- Lounges: CIP Lounge, airline business lounges
- Food: Pakistani restaurants, fast food chains, coffee shops
- Prayer rooms on all levels
- ATMs and money exchange in arrivals
- SIM card counters in arrivals
- Duty-free (departures side)
Tips for Travellers
- Arrive 3 hours early for international flights
- The airport is in the Cantonment area — 30-45 minutes to Old Lahore depending on traffic
- Fog can delay flights in December-January (Lahore fog season)
- The Hajj Terminal operates seasonally during Hajj season