Karachi Airport Lost & Found Guide — Jinnah International Airport (JIAP)

About Jinnah International Airport (JIAP)

Jinnah International Airport (IATA: KHI) is Pakistan's busiest airport by passenger volume, handling over 10 million passengers annually. Located in the Faisal Cantonment area, approximately 15 kilometres from Karachi's city centre, JIAP serves as the primary gateway for both domestic travel within Pakistan and international flights to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Europe, and beyond.

The airport has three terminals: Terminal 1 (International — also called the Jinnah Terminal), Terminal 2 (Domestic — also called the Allama Iqbal Terminal), and a dedicated Hajj Terminal used seasonally. With this volume of traffic and the complex terminal layout, losing luggage or personal items at JIAP is unfortunately common. This guide walks you through exactly what to do.

Lost & Found Office — Location and Hours

Where to Find It

The main Lost & Found office at JIAP is located on the Arrivals Level of Terminal 1 (International), past the baggage carousels, on the left side near the far end of the hall. Look for signage that says "Baggage Services" or "Lost & Found" — it's a small office next to the ASF (Airport Security Force) post.

• Terminal 1 (International): Arrivals Level, left side, past Carousel 6. Office is near the oversized baggage area.
• Terminal 2 (Domestic): Arrivals hall, right side, behind the last baggage carousel. This is a smaller counter shared with airline baggage staff.
• Hajj Terminal: Seasonal office — operational only during Hajj season. For off-season queries, contact Terminal 1 Lost & Found.

Operating Hours

The Lost & Found office operates 24 hours during peak international flight schedules but may have limited staffing during off-peak hours (2:00 AM - 6:00 AM). For guaranteed availability, visit between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM.

Process for Claiming Lost Items

Luggage Not Arriving on the Belt

If your checked luggage doesn't appear on the baggage carousel, follow these steps before leaving the arrivals hall:

1. 1Wait until the carousel stops completely. Sometimes luggage arrives late, especially on connecting flights or during peak hours.
2. 2Check the oversized baggage area (near the far wall). Items like prams, sports equipment, and oddly shaped bags are sometimes offloaded there.
3. 3Go to the airline's baggage counter inside the arrivals hall (before exiting). Every airline has a desk or shared desk near the carousels.
4. 4File a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). This is a formal document with a reference number. You MUST file this before leaving the airport — without a PIR, your claim is significantly harder to process.
5. 5Provide your baggage tag receipt (the sticker you received at check-in, usually attached to your boarding pass). If you've lost the tag receipt, provide your booking reference and passport.
6. 6Get the airline agent's name, phone number, and a written timeline for follow-up. Ask when you should expect a call.

Items Left at the Airport

If you've left a personal item at the airport — phone left at a café, wallet dropped at security, jacket forgotten at a waiting area — the process is different:

1. 1Contact the Lost & Found office immediately. Call 021-99072570 or visit in person if you're still at the airport.
2. 2Describe the item in detail: colour, brand, approximate location and time you last had it.
3. 3Items found by airport staff or ASF personnel are logged and stored at the Lost & Found office.
4. 4You'll need to provide identification (CNIC or passport) to claim your item. The office may also ask you to describe the contents as verification.
5. 5Items are held for 30-90 days depending on value. Perishable items are disposed of after 24 hours.

Airline-Specific Contacts at JIAP

PIA (Pakistan International Airlines)

PIA has the largest operation at JIAP. Their baggage services desk is inside the arrivals hall at Terminal 1 (international) and Terminal 2 (domestic).

• PIA Call Centre: 111-786-786 (nationwide)
• PIA Baggage Services JIAP: 021-99072401
• PIA counters are open for all flight arrivals. File your PIR here for PIA flights.
• PIA's online claim form is available at piac.com.pk — but filing in person at the airport is faster and more reliable.

Airblue

• Airblue Call Centre: 021-111-247-258
• Airblue baggage desk at Terminal 2 (domestic). For international Airblue flights, use Terminal 1 shared baggage desk.
• Airblue processes most delayed luggage claims within 24-48 hours for domestic routes.

International Carriers

Major international airlines at JIAP include Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Saudi Airlines (Saudia), Turkish Airlines, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, and Oman Air. Each has a ground handling agent at JIAP:

• Emirates / FlyDubai: Handled by GERRY'S dnata. Contact: 021-34570261
• Qatar Airways: Handled by Qatar Aviation Services. Contact: 021-35680201
• Etihad Airways: Handled by Swissport Pakistan. Contact: 021-34614601
• Saudi Airlines (Saudia): Dedicated Saudia office at JIAP. Contact: 021-32782421
• Turkish Airlines: Handled by Celebi ground services. Contact: 021-34570404
• For any international airline, go to their check-in counter or ground handling agent's office if the baggage desk is unmanned at your arrival time.

Luggage Storage Options at JIAP

If you have a long layover or need to leave bags temporarily at Karachi airport, your options are limited but available:

• Left Luggage Service: Available at the Departures Level, Terminal 1, near Gate 1. Charges approximately PKR 200-500 per bag per day depending on size.
• The service is operated by a CAA-approved contractor. Your bag is tagged with a receipt number.
• Maximum storage period is typically 7 days. After that, items are transferred to Lost & Found.
• For security, only locked bags are accepted. Open bags or loose items may be refused.
• The Domestic Terminal (Terminal 2) does not have a dedicated left luggage counter. Use Terminal 1's facility.

QR Tags for Air Travel Through Karachi

Karachi airport handles an enormous volume of luggage daily, and with three terminals, items can easily get separated from their owners. Nishaaan QR tags add a critical layer of protection:

• Attach a QR tag to each piece of checked luggage (outside, near the handle) and carry-on bags
• If your bag is loaded on the wrong flight or found at the wrong carousel, airport staff can scan the tag and contact you instantly
• Tags are waterproof and durable — they survive the baggage handling system
• Your personal phone number stays private. Contact happens through Nishaaan's secure platform.
• If your bag is found days later (common with delayed luggage), the tag is still there even after the airline's paper tag has fallen off
• Use a QR tag on your passport cover, laptop bag, and even your phone case for maximum protection during travel

Frequently Asked Questions