LHE vs STN — Lahore or London?

Verdict

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) scores higher overall at 7.2/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Score comparison

Metric	Allama Iqbal International Airport	London Stansted Airport
FlightLogic Score	7.2	6.9
On-Time Performance	7.0	6.7
Passenger Experience	7.1	6.8
Facilities & Comfort	7.5	7.0
Lounge Score	7.3	6.8
City	Lahore	London
Country	Pakistan	United Kingdom
Terminals	1 main terminal (Old + New Hall)	1 main terminal
Annual passengers	6M+	28M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy	LHE — Allama	STN — London
Rail / public transport	—	—
To city centre	—	—
Lounge day pass	—	—
Min. connection time	—	—
Primary hub carriers	—	—

Detailed profiles

Lahore, Pakistan · LHE · #1 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-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 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.

London, United Kingdom · STN · #2 in this comparison

London Stansted Airport

1 main terminal · 28M+ passengers/year

6.9 / 10

How good is London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport (STN) scores 6.9/10 (Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.7), passenger experience (6.8), and facilities (7.0). Lounge quality rates 6.8/10. See full airport guide →

In short

London Stansted (STN) is rated 6.9/10 on FlightLogic — primarily a Ryanair and Jet2 leisure hub. Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~45 min. Escape Lounge for Priority Pass. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/stansted-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 6.9 Good

On-time 6.7 Departure reliability

Experience 6.8 Staff, queues, cleanliness

Facilities 7.0 Food, shops, seating

Lounges 6.8 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

6.7

Passenger Experience

6.8

Facilities & Comfort

7.0

Lounge score 6.8/10

Highlights

Ryanair's largest UK base — dominant low-cost hub for Europe and Mediterranean leisure routes
Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in ~45 minutes — fastest rail link among London secondary airports
Single-terminal layout simplifies navigation; Escape Lounge accepts Priority Pass with pre-book recommended
UK261 applies to all UK-departing flights — including Ryanair and Jet2

Overview

London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.

Ryanair hub and low-cost operations

Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.

Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.

FAQ

Which is better, Allama Iqbal International Airport or London Stansted Airport?

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) scores higher overall at 7.2/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.9/10.

Which has better lounges, LHE or STN?

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) scores higher for lounges at 7.3/10, versus London Stansted Airport at 6.8/10.

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

Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) has stronger on-time performance at 7.0/10 versus London Stansted Airport (STN) at 6.7/10.