LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol has urged the federal government, the Ministry of Interior, and relevant authorities to take practical steps to further improve passenger facilities, traffic flow, and administrative arrangements at Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore.
He, however, appreciated the efforts of the Federal Interior Minister and the airport administration, saying that significant improvements have been made over the past few years in airport management, security systems, and passenger services. These improvements have benefited citizens and helped project a positive image of Pakistan.
He said in a media statement here Wednesday that the increasing number of international flights, especially between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., has led to heavy congestion in the airport’s departure area. Under the current situation, there is only one drop-off lane, which causes passengers to face long delays. This not only wastes time but also increases the risk of passengers missing their flights.
The LCCI President suggested the construction of additional drop-off lanes on the departure road to improve traffic flow and ensure that passengers can reach the airport terminal on time. He noted that major airports in developed countries successfully operate with two or three drop-off lanes, which significantly reduces traffic congestion.
Saigol also emphasized the need for further improvements in the parking system. He suggested introducing a limited-time parking policy in the departure area. Under this system, vehicles would be issued a token upon entry, and a penalty would be imposed if they remain parked beyond the allowed time. According to him, this measure would discourage unnecessary parking, improve traffic flow, and increase government revenue.
Regarding security arrangements, he appreciated the services of the Airport Security Force and other relevant agencies, stating that passenger safety should remain the top priority. However, he suggested that vehicles requiring detailed inspection should be moved to a designated inspection area separate from the main queue. This would help maintain security standards while preventing unnecessary delays for other passengers.
The LCCI President said that an airport creates the first impression of any country. Tourists, investors, business visitors, and overseas Pakistanis form their initial opinion about the country based on the airport’s facilities and management. Therefore, establishing a modern, organized, and passenger-friendly airport is of national importance.
He expressed hope that the relevant authorities would seriously consider these proposals so that the performance of Lahore Airport can be further improved, passengers and airport staff can enjoy greater convenience, and Pakistan’s international image can be strengthened further.
