Airports are a good indication of a country’s quality of air travel. They also play an important role in the trade of a country. Pakistan with its short history as a country has made numerous achievements in the air travel and aviation industries. Today, millions of Pakistanis fly in and out of the country, landing at one of the major airports of Pakistan.
In total, Pakistan has 69 airports with the majority of them being classified as small airports only suitable for domestic flights. Out of the total airports currently operating in Pakistan, nine welcome international traffic regularly. Before you plan your air travel journey, it is important to figure out which airport would be the best for you to fly from.
In this guide, we will discuss the top airports currently operating in Pakistan to help you decide on one for your air travel!
Jinnah International Airport, Karachi – The Busiest Airport in Pakistan
Located in Karachi, the Jinnah International Airport is the busiest domestic and international airport in Pakistan. From 2021 to 2022, the airport handled 5,165,904 passengers. It is named after the founder of Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan’s busiest airport was opened in 1924 which makes it one of the world’s oldest operating airports in the world. Today, the airport is the hub for the following Pakistani airlines: PIA, Fly Jinnah, and Airblue. It is also the operating base for Serene Air.
After expansion of the airport where new terminals were added, Jinnah International Airport now has a dedicated hanger for hajj goers. The airport offers a range of services including medical assistance for passengers, dedicated prayer rooms, and cargo handlings. People can also enjoy shopping and dining facilities while waiting for their flights at the Jinnah International Airport.
Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore – The Gateway to Punjab
After the independence of Pakistan, the government of the country decided to build an international airport in Lahore that was finally opened in 1962. The airport is named after the visionary poet Allama Iqbal. Located 15km from the center of Lahore, the Allama Iqbal International Airport has three terminals out of which one is dedicated for passengers going for hajj. The airport is an operating base for Serene Air and the hub for Pakistan International Airlines.
Allama Iqbal International Airport not only serves the people of Lahore but also receives a huge influx of traffic from all over Punjab. Passengers can enjoy a range of services at the Allama Iqbal International Airport including medical and emergency assistance. The airport has prayer rooms for both men and women. People can get foreign currencies exchanged at the airport and also book hotels and guest houses.
Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad – A Smart Aviation Hub
Islamabad International Airport is one of the newly built airports in Pakistan that was opened for public use in 2018. It is the second-busiest airport in Pakistan and connects the capital to the rest of the country and the world. It is a smart airport built according to the latest advancements in the aviation industry to accommodate modern aircraft. Plans for expansion of the Islamabad airport are in place to improve its functionality.
Islamabad International Airport is a hub for Pakistan International Airlines and SereneAir. It offers different services to passengers to make their experience at the airport smooth and memorable. Passengers are offered assistance upon arrival as well as departure. The airport also fast track services to help passengers get through security and immigration quickly. People can get information about hotel booking and car rentals at the airport and enjoy a comfortable stay in the VIP Lounge while waiting for their flights.
Bacha Khan International Airport, Peshawar – Connecting KPK to the World
Bacha Khan International Airport, commonly referred to as Peshawar airport, is the fourth busiest airport in Pakistan. The airport is named after a prominent Pashtun figure Abdul Ghaffar Khan who had the nickname Bacha Khan. It was opened in 1927 and underwent extensive reconstruction from 2016 to 2018. Flights to different domestic and a few international locations take off from the Bacha Khan International Airport every month.
Bacha Khan International Airport has made KPK air travel more popular by offering airline connectivity with different parts of the country and the world. Passengers traveling to or from the Peshawar airport can enjoy access to ATMs, telephone booths, internet, and a post office. People can also shop for gifts, souvenirs, and snacks at the airport. The information counters at the Bacha Khan International Airport can help people with questions related to flights and the airport.
Sialkot International Airport – The First Privately-Owned Airport in Pakistan
Airports in Pakistan are owned and operated by the government except the Sialkot International Airport which was built by the city’s business community. The aim behind building the airport is to improve connectivity between Sialkot and the rest of the country. The airport is the hub for AirSial, an airline operating from Sialkot that was established by the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Like other airports, Sialkot International Airport also offers passengers services like health and first aid assistance. The airport has a CIP Lounge where passengers can enjoy internet and TV access, charge their devices, and have snacks and beverages.
Conclusion
Every airport in Pakistan that operates domestic and international flights has a range of services it offers its passengers. When booking your flights with ApnaTicket.pk, you can select the airport you wish to travel from. You can also choose the airport you wish to land on if you are booking a domestic flight. Make sure to review all the details before booking your flight to have a memorable travel experience!
FAQs
Which is the best airport in Pakistan for international travel?
The best airport in Pakistan for international travel is the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi as it handles the maximum number of international passengers every year. The airport also offers different services to passengers traveling to international destinations from Pakistan. Islamabad International Airport and Allama Iqbal International Airport are the second and third best options in Pakistan for international travel.
How to find the cheapest flights from Pakistani airports?
You can search for flights at ApnaTicket.pk to find the cheapest options for any route. Whether you wish to travel domestically from Pakistani airports or internationally, make sure to check ticket prices at Apna Ticket to enjoy maximum savings.
