Allama Iqbal International Airport expansion gains momentum; passenger facilities set for significant upgrade

By Wasif Mahmood

LAHORE-- In a major development for passengers travelling to and from Pakistan, a large-scale expansion and upgradation project at Allama Iqbal International Airport Lahore is progressing rapidly, with several new facilities already operational and a number of major infrastructure projects nearing completion.

According to Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) spokesperson Saifullah, the Romeo Taxiway on the airside became fully operational on September 2, while operations on the newly constructed Papa Taxiway have been underway since April this year.

Saifullah said a newly constructed FIA immigration hall, which became operational on August 25, has provided greater convenience to passengers and enhanced immigration facilities at the airport.

He said external construction work on the new immigration hall at Block 07 is also continuing, while construction of the ASF shed at the main entrance is almost complete.

According to the PAA spokesperson, the installation of new ticketing booths at the parking entrance and exit has been completed, aimed at improving traffic management and facilitating passengers and visitors.

Saifullah said work on the expansion of the departure bridge of the terminal building is progressing rapidly, while construction of the octagonal structure and airside corridor is also continuing at a fast pace.

He said external construction work on the new Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) and the Domestic Building is also underway.

A major milestone has been achieved at the new Passenger Terminal Building, where the utility building has been completed, according to the PAA spokesperson.

Saifullah said Boarding Bridges 09, 10 and 11 have also been installed in the new airside corridor.

He further said civil works on the new apron are 99 percent complete, while work on airfield lighting is currently underway.

According to Saifullah, construction work is also progressing inside the new domestic airside corridor, where the new Domestic Concourse Hall and Domestic Briefing Hall are under construction.

The large-scale expansion is expected to significantly ease the congestion and overcrowding that passengers have been experiencing at Lahore airport due to increasing passenger traffic and limited existing facilities.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to provide greater passenger-handling capacity, improve passenger flow and facilitate smoother domestic and international travel once the ongoing works are completed.

With several components already operational and other major works at advanced stages of completion, the expansion of Allama Iqbal International Airport is set to bring a significant upgrade to Lahore’s aviation infrastructure and passenger facilities.