Allama Iqbal International Airport (AIIAP) in Lahore is expected to experience relief as a new terminal approaches completion and is expected to become operational later this year.
As per officials, this project will increase the airport’s annual passenger capacity from five million to ten million, helping congestion and improving overall efficiency.
Engineer Tauqeer Iqbal, the Project Director for AIIAP’s New Terminal, stated in an interview that the Rs26 billion project is set to be completed within the current year.
He further mentioned that the terminal building and its infrastructure have already been finalised.
The new facility will feature an additional 144 arrival and departure counters designed to facilitate smoother passenger movement. Furthermore, the commercial area is being expanded to include both local and international brands.
What will the new terminal do?
Officials indicated that the terminal will provide modern amenities that are comparable to those found at international airports, with a specific emphasis on minimising passenger inconvenience.
The expansion will also allow the Lahore airport to manage multiple flight operations at the same time. The number of baggage conveyor belts is being increased to five to ensure faster luggage delivery, irrespective of weather conditions.
Additionally, the aircraft parking capacity is being improved, enabling the accommodation of four to five more planes.
The number of check-in counters for both domestic and international airlines has also been increased, and automated boarding card machines have been installed to streamline the process.
Officials also assured that even during adverse weather conditions or peak travel periods, passengers would not face extended waiting times due to the new terminal.
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