New Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) — Complete Guide

About New Islamabad International Airport

The New Islamabad International Airport (IATA: ISB), also known as IIAP, is Pakistan's newest and most modern airport. Opened in April 2018, it replaced the ageing Benazir Bhutto International Airport and is located approximately 30 kilometres from central Islamabad in the Fateh Jang area, off the M-1 Motorway. The airport sits on 3,600 acres of land and was built to handle 9 million passengers annually, with capacity for expansion to 25 million.

Whether you're a frequent flyer, a first-time traveller, or picking up a family member, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about navigating IIAP — from terminal layout to lost luggage recovery.

Terminal Layout

Single Terminal, Two Wings

IIAP has a single large terminal building divided into two main wings: the International Wing (left side when facing the building) and the Domestic Wing (right side). Both wings share a common central hall for check-in and a connected departures area.

• Ground Floor (Level 0): Arrivals hall with 6 baggage carousels, customs, immigration desks, meeters & greeters area, Lost & Found office, car rental desks, and exits.
• First Floor (Level 1): Check-in counters (Rows A through M for international, N through T for domestic), airline offices, and access to departures.
• Second Floor (Level 2): Departures — immigration, security screening, duty-free shops, lounges, food court, prayer rooms, and boarding gates.
• Third Floor (Level 3): Additional offices, VIP protocol lounge (for government and diplomatic use), and administrative areas.
• Mezzanine areas between floors house some airline offices, a mosque, and staff areas.

Key Landmarks Inside the Terminal

• The main entrance has a large atrium with a digital flight information display (FID) board. This is where you check your gate number.
• Escalators and elevators connect all floors. The main escalator bank is in the centre of the building.
• The mosque is located on the Mezzanine level, accessible from both international and domestic sides. Separate areas for men and women.
• ATMs and currency exchange counters are on the Ground Floor near the exits and on the First Floor near check-in.
• A medical aid room is located on the Ground Floor near the arrivals exit.

Check-In Procedures

1. 1Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights. IIAP's distance from the city means traffic delays are unpredictable.
2. 2Enter the terminal on the First Floor (vehicle drop-off ramp). You'll pass through an initial security screening before entering the check-in hall.
3. 3Find your airline's check-in counter row on the FID display. Counters are arranged alphabetically (A-M international, N-T domestic).
4. 4Present your passport, visa (if required), ticket/booking confirmation, and any special documents (Hajj/Umrah visa, etc.).
5. 5Receive your boarding pass and baggage tag receipt. Keep the baggage tag receipt safe — you'll need it if your luggage is delayed or lost.
6. 6Proceed to immigration (international) on the Second Floor. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
7. 7After immigration, pass through the final security screening before entering the departures lounge.

Security Checkpoints

IIAP has three layers of security, managed by the Airport Security Force (ASF):

• Entry Screening (First Floor): Bag X-ray and walk-through metal detector before entering the check-in hall. Only passengers with valid tickets are allowed inside (some exceptions for elderly passengers' companions with a gate pass).
• Pre-Departure Screening (Second Floor): Full security check including bag X-ray, body scanner, and random pat-downs. Remove laptops and large electronics from bags. Liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, in a clear zip-lock bag.
• Random Gate Checks: Some flights have additional random security at the boarding gate. Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible at all times.

Items frequently confiscated at IIAP security include: water bottles (buy after security), lighters, multi-tools, and containers larger than 100ml. Power banks are allowed in carry-on only — never check them.

Lounges

IIAP has several lounges on the Second Floor (departures), accessible to business class passengers, airline loyalty members, and Priority Pass holders:

• CIP Lounge (Commercially Important Persons): Located in the international departures area. Accessible with business class tickets on most airlines or Priority Pass. Food, beverages, Wi-Fi, prayer area, and shower facilities.
• PIA Business Lounge: For PIA Executive Economy and Business class passengers. Located near Gates 1-4.
• Domestic Lounge: A smaller lounge in the domestic departures wing. Less crowded but basic facilities.
• Protocol Lounge (Third Floor): Reserved for government officials and diplomatic passport holders. Not available to regular passengers.

Food Courts and Dining

IIAP has significantly better food options than the old Islamabad airport:

• Pre-Security (First Floor): A small café and convenience store near the check-in area. Limited options.
• Post-Security (Second Floor): Main food court with options including Hardee's, Desi food counters, a bakery, and a tea/coffee bar.
• Prices are 20-40% higher than city rates (standard for airports). A meal costs PKR 800-1,500.
• The international departures side has a duty-free shop selling chocolates, perfumes, electronics, and liquor (for non-Pakistan destinations).
• The arrivals level has a small snack counter and a convenience store near the exit.

Prayer Rooms

IIAP has prayer facilities on multiple levels:

• Main Mosque: Mezzanine level, accessible via escalators from the First Floor. Separate sections for men and women. Wudu (ablution) facilities available.
• Prayer Room (Departures): A smaller prayer space in the international departures lounge area on the Second Floor. Convenient for last-minute prayers before boarding.
• The mosque areas have prayer mats, Qurans, and digital prayer time displays. Jummah prayers are held on Fridays.

Lost & Found at IIAP

Office Location

The Lost & Found / Baggage Services office is on the Ground Floor (Arrivals Level), at the far end of the arrivals hall, on the left side past the last baggage carousel. Look for the "Baggage Services" sign near the oversized baggage area.

Contact Information

• IIAP Switchboard: 051-9281700
• Lost & Found Direct: 051-9281711 (ask for Baggage Services)
• CAA Helpline: 111-222-282
• PIA Baggage Services at IIAP: 051-9281741 or 111-786-786

Claiming Lost Items

1. 1For checked luggage that didn't arrive: Go to your airline's baggage desk in the arrivals hall. File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) with your baggage tag receipt and passport.
2. 2For items left at the airport (phone, wallet, jacket, etc.): Contact the Lost & Found office directly or call 051-9281711.
3. 3Items are held for 30-90 days. Perishable items are disposed of within 24 hours.
4. 4Bring CNIC or passport for identification when claiming items.
5. 5For items left in the departures lounge (airside), you cannot re-enter. Ask at the information desk on the Ground Floor — staff can radio the lounge.

Transport To and From IIAP

Islamabad Metro Bus

The Islamabad Metro Red Line connects IIAP to the city centre. The airport metro station is a short walk from the terminal building. The route runs through major stops including Faizabad, Pir Wadhai, and connects to the Rawalpindi metro network. Fare: approximately PKR 40-50. Frequency: every 10-15 minutes during peak hours, 20-30 minutes off-peak. Operating hours: roughly 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Taxi and Ride-Hailing

• Careem and inDrive are the most used ride-hailing apps at IIAP. Book from the arrivals exit. Fares to Blue Area (Islamabad): PKR 1,500-2,500 depending on time of day.
• Official airport taxis are available outside the arrivals exit. Fixed fares displayed on a board near the taxi stand. Fare to Blue Area: approximately PKR 2,500-3,000.
• Private car hire services have counters on the Ground Floor near the exit.
• To Rawalpindi (Saddar): PKR 1,800-2,500 by ride-hailing. 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
• Late-night rides (after midnight) may have surge pricing on ride-hailing apps. Consider pre-booking.

Parking

• Multi-storey car park directly opposite the terminal. Connected by a covered walkway.
• Short-term parking: PKR 100 per hour. Maximum 6 hours.
• Long-term parking: PKR 500 per 24 hours. Located in the open lot adjacent to the multi-storey car park.
• Two-wheeler parking is available in a designated area near the car park entrance. PKR 50 per day.
• The parking lot has CCTV coverage but don't leave valuables visible in your car.
• VIP parking (covered, closer to terminal): Available by reservation. PKR 1,000 per 24 hours.

QR Tags for Airport Travel

IIAP handles millions of bags yearly. With a modern baggage system, most luggage arrives correctly — but delays and mix-ups still happen. Nishaaan QR tags provide permanent identification that survives the entire journey:

• Attach a durable QR tag to your suitcase handle, backpack strap, and laptop bag
• If your bag loses its airline tag during handling (common with older adhesive tags), the QR tag remains
• Airport staff or fellow passengers can scan the tag with any smartphone — no app needed
• You're notified instantly when the tag is scanned, with the scanner's location
• Your phone number stays private — all communication happens through Nishaaan's secure platform
• Perfect for families travelling with multiple similar-looking bags — each gets a unique QR tag

Frequently Asked Questions