FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Islamabad International Airport Alicante-Elche Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.4 7.2
On-Time Performance 7.2 7.0
Passenger Experience 7.3 7.1
Facilities & Comfort 7.7 7.5
Lounge Score 7.5 6.9
City Islamabad Alicante
Country Pakistan Spain
Terminals 1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) 1 terminal
Annual passengers 8M+ 15M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy ISB — Islamabad ALC — Alicante-Elche
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Islamabad, Pakistan · ISB · #1 in this comparison

Islamabad International Airport

1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) · 8M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Islamabad International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.2), passenger experience (7.3), and facilities (7.7). Lounge quality rates 7.5/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Islamabad ISB scores 7.4/10 — Pakistan capital gateway. PIA from MAN/BHX; Gulf hub connections via QR/EK. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide-2026 and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.2 Departure reliability
Experience 7.3 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.7 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.5 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.2
Passenger Experience
7.3
Facilities & Comfort
7.7
Lounge score 7.5/10

Highlights

  • Primary UK–Pakistan gateway for Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and northern Punjab
  • PIA direct MAN–ISB and BHX–ISB; Gulf carriers via DXB/DOH most competitive on price
  • New integrated terminal (2018) — Marhaba and Priority Pass lounges
  • e-Visa or visa on arrival for UK passport holders — apply online before travel

Overview

Pakistan's capital gateway — PIA direct from Manchester and Birmingham plus one-stop via Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul for UK–Punjab and KPK VFR traffic.

UK VFR routing

Compare direct PIA vs one-stop Qatar/Emirates — Gulf carriers often cheaper in business with superior lounge product.

Allow 60+ min immigration at peak UK arrival banks (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).

Alicante, Spain · ALC · #2 in this comparison

Alicante-Elche Airport

1 terminal · 15M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is Alicante-Elche Airport?

Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.1), and facilities (7.5). Lounge quality rates 6.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Alicante ALC scores 7.2/10 — Costa Blanca UK leisure hub. See /guides/best-airlines-uk-spain-2026 and /guides/alicante-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.5 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 6.9 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score 6.9/10

Highlights

  • Top UK Costa Blanca airport — Benidorm, Alicante city, and Murcia within 60 min drive
  • Jet2 and TUI package base alongside Ryanair and easyJet from 15+ UK airports
  • Single terminal — straightforward; summer queues significant
  • Compare Málaga (/airports/malaga) for Costa del Sol; Palma for Balearics

Overview

Costa Blanca gateway — Jet2, TUI, Ryanair, and easyJet dominate UK package and low-cost traffic to Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Murcia coast.

Costa Blanca access

Pre-book resort transfers — public transport to northern Costa Blanca resorts is limited. Tram to Alicante city from airport terminal.

UK261 on return legs; EU261 on EU departures.

FAQ

Which is better, Islamabad International Airport or Alicante-Elche Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, ISB or ALC?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher for lounges at 7.5/10, versus Alicante-Elche Airport at 6.9/10.

Which airport is more on-time, ISB or ALC?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.2/10 versus Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC) at 7.0/10.