Flight Logic

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Islamabad International Airport vs Allama Iqbal International Airport

Detailed comparison of ISB and LHE on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.

Verdict

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Islamabad International Airport Allama Iqbal International 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 7.3
City Islamabad Lahore
Country Pakistan Pakistan
Terminals 1 integrated terminal (New Islamabad Airport) 1 main terminal (Old + New Hall)
Annual passengers 8M+ 6M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy ISB — Islamabad LHE — Allama
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 and /guides/islamabad-airport-lounge-guide.

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).

Lahore, Pakistan · LHE · #2 in this comparison

Allama Iqbal International Airport

1 main terminal (Old + New Hall) · 6M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is Allama Iqbal International Airport?

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) 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 7.3/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Lahore LHE scores 7.2/10 — Punjab VFR gateway. PIA from MAN; Gulf via DOH/DXB. Compare /airports/islamabad. See /guides/uk-pakistan-flights-guide.

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 7.3 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 7.3/10

Highlights

  • UK–Punjab VFR hub — largest diaspora routing after Islamabad
  • PIA direct MAN–LHE; Qatar and Emirates one-stop competitive year-round
  • CIP Lounge and Priority Pass options — moderate capacity
  • e-Visa required — apply at visa.nadra.gov.pk before travel

Overview

Punjab's primary airport — PIA from Manchester and Heathrow plus dense Gulf hub connections for UK–Lahore VFR traffic.

UK routing

Peak VFR: summer holidays and Eid periods — book 4–6 months ahead. PIA direct saves connection time; QR/EK win on business class price.

Compare total journey to final city — Lahore vs Islamabad depends on family location in Punjab.

More comparisons

Compare Islamabad International Airport (ISB) against 59 other airports
Compare Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) against 59 other airports
Compare different airports All airport comparisons →

FAQ

Which is better, Islamabad International Airport or Allama Iqbal International Airport?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, ISB or LHE?

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) scores higher for lounges at 7.5/10, versus Allama Iqbal International Airport at 7.3/10.

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

Islamabad International Airport (ISB) has stronger on-time performance at 7.2/10 versus Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) at 7.0/10.