From "Lahore International Airport" to "Allama Iqbal International Airport" and to "Future"

Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore

Allama Iqbal International Airport is situated in Lahore which is the provincial capital of Punjab. The elevation of this airport is 698 ft. covering the land area of 1364 acres. 

History

After the independence, Walton Aerodrome was the only facility available in Lahore and the surrounding areas until Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) acquired Boeing 707-320C in 1960. As the Walton Aerodrome was not able to handle this aircraft so the authorities decided to build a new airport. With this catalyst in place, Lahore International Airport was developed and opened in 1962 with the capacity of handling wide-body aircrafts like Boeing 747. Its terminal building, which later converted into Hajj Terminal has the area of 14160 sq. ft. with 6 check-in counters.   

Recent Developments     

After around four decades, the terminal capacity at this airport reached to the neck so a new terminal was developed and opened in 2003 with the capacity of handling 6 million passengers yearly. With this inauguration, it was renamed as Allama Iqbal International Airport - after the name of the national poet. 

The old terminal was initially handed over to Pakistan Military which was later reclaimed by the Government and converted into Hajj Terminal. This terminal now becomes operational for only 30 days and is used for departing Hajj flights. For the rest of the year, it is used for diplomates, special flights and staff training of Airport Security Force (ASF). 

Hence, the airport currently has three terminals naming Hajj Terminal, Cargo Terminal and Allama Iqbal Terminal. Moreover, the airport currently has two parallel runways (36R/18L, 36L/18R) and 22 aircraft parking spaces including seven passenger bridges. 

Old Terminal, Now Hajj Terminal 

Future Expansion

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) recently conceived the expansion plan for this project which will increase the number of boarding gates from seven to seventeen, passenger handling capacity from six to 20 millions and car parking from single to multi-level capable to accommodate around 4500 vehicles. 

The existing design of the terminal building can be linked back to Mughal architecture while the proposed one was designed by GilBartolomé Architects and inspired by the national flower as its four arms resemble with the four petals of Jasmine. Other companies that are involved in the construction work are "TYSPA International" from Spain, "China Construction Third Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd." from China and "Asian Consulting Engineers Pvt. Ltd." from Pakistan. 

Proposed New Design

With the budget of Rs.42 billons, the expansion which was started in 2016 consisted of three phases i.e., access roads, car parking and terminal building. First two phases are almost complete with reported cost of Rs.7 billons while the third one is still ahead. 

Project in Transition