Special Assistance —
Lahore Airport
Support for passengers who need extra help at Allama Iqbal International Airport — including those with reduced mobility, elderly travellers, families, and passengers with medical needs. Here’s what’s available and how to arrange it.
Help Is Available at LHE
Allama Iqbal International Airport provides support for passengers who need extra assistance, so that travelling through the airport is as smooth and comfortable as possible. This includes passengers with reduced mobility, elderly travellers, those with medical conditions, and families with young children. In most cases, special assistance is arranged through your airline, which coordinates with the airport’s ground handling teams — so the most important step is to let your airline know your needs in advance.
The single most important step: Request special assistance through your airline at the time of booking, or at least 48 hours before departure. Advance notice allows the airline and airport teams to plan the right support and have it ready when you arrive.
Types of Special Assistance
Special assistance covers a wide range of needs. If your situation isn’t listed here, contact your airline — support can usually be tailored to individual requirements.
Reduced Mobility
Wheelchair assistance and mobility support for passengers who cannot walk long distances or manage the airport unaided — through check-in, security, immigration, and to the gate.
Elderly Passengers
Help for older travellers who may need extra time and support moving through the terminal, including assistance with luggage and navigating the various checkpoints.
Medical Conditions
Support for passengers with medical needs. Some conditions or medical equipment may require advance clearance from your airline — check well before you travel.
Families & Children
Assistance and facilities for families travelling with infants and young children, including baby care rooms within the terminal.
Visual & Hearing Needs
Guided assistance for passengers who are blind, have low vision, or are deaf or hard of hearing, to help them move safely through the airport.
Mobility Equipment
Travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility aid is supported. Electric/battery-powered equipment may have specific rules — confirm with your airline in advance.
How to Request Assistance
Arranging special assistance is straightforward when you plan ahead. Here’s the typical process from booking to boarding.
Tell Your Airline
Request assistance when booking, or contact your airline at least 48 hours before departure. Describe your needs clearly so the right support can be arranged.
Confirm the Details
Confirm what’s been arranged — the type of wheelchair or help, any medical clearance needed, and where to report on arrival at the airport.
Arrive Early
Report in good time — generally a little earlier than other passengers — so staff can arrange your assistance without rushing. Allow extra time at LHE.
Check In & Get Help
Let the check-in counter know you’ve requested assistance. Many airlines offer priority check-in for passengers needing support, and help continues through security.
Assisted to the Gate
Staff help you through immigration and security to the boarding gate, with support continuing through boarding and, where needed, on arrival at your destination.
Good to know: Because special assistance at airports is typically delivered by airlines and their ground handling partners, the exact procedure and contact method depend on the airline you’re flying with. Always use your airline’s official channels to make the request, and keep your booking reference handy.
Understanding Wheelchair Assistance Codes
Airlines use standard international codes to describe the level of wheelchair assistance a passenger needs. Knowing these helps you request exactly the right support. Your airline will confirm which applies to you.
Ramp. For passengers who can walk short distances and manage stairs, but need a wheelchair for longer distances within the terminal — for example, to and from the aircraft.
Steps. For passengers who cannot manage stairs but can move to and from a seat. They need a wheelchair for distances and assistance on steps.
Cabin / Carry. For passengers who are completely immobile and need full assistance, including being carried to and from their cabin seat.
PRM: You may also see the term “PRM” — Person with Reduced Mobility. It covers anyone whose mobility is reduced due to a physical or intellectual disability (permanent or temporary), or age, and who needs appropriate attention during travel.
Preparing for a Smooth Trip
A little preparation makes a big difference. Keep these points in mind when travelling with special assistance through Lahore Airport.
📋 What to Arrange
- Request assistance via your airline at least 48 hours ahead
- Confirm the wheelchair code or type of help that fits your needs
- Arrange any medical clearance your condition may require
- Declare any mobility equipment, especially electric/battery types
- Ask about priority check-in and where to report on arrival
🧳 What to Carry
- Your passport, visa, and boarding pass ready at each checkpoint
- Any disability ID or medical documentation you have
- Essential medication in your hand luggage, clearly labelled
- Details of your mobility aid (type, battery, dimensions) if applicable
- Your airline booking reference and assistance confirmation
At security: The screening process aims to take your needs into account. Walking sticks, crutches, and certain medical devices are generally accepted — let security staff know what you’re carrying and how they can best assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions — Special Assistance
How do I request special assistance at Lahore Airport?
Request it through your airline — ideally when booking, or at least 48 hours before departure. The airline coordinates the support with the airport’s ground handling teams.
Is wheelchair assistance available at LHE?
Yes. Wheelchair assistance is available for passengers with reduced mobility, helping them through check-in, security, immigration, and to the boarding gate. Arrange it with your airline in advance.
How much advance notice do I need to give?
At least 48 hours before departure is recommended. The earlier you notify your airline, the better the chance the right assistance is arranged and ready for you.
Can I bring my own wheelchair or mobility aid?
Yes. Travelling with your own wheelchair or mobility aid is supported. Electric or battery-powered equipment may have specific rules, so confirm the details with your airline beforehand.
Is there help for elderly passengers?
Yes. Assistance is available for elderly travellers who need extra time or support moving through the terminal and the various checkpoints. Notify your airline in advance.
What do the codes WCHR, WCHS, and WCHC mean?
They describe levels of wheelchair help: WCHR (ramp — can manage stairs), WCHS (cannot manage stairs), and WCHC (fully immobile, needs cabin-seat assistance).
Will I get help at security and immigration?
Yes. Once assistance is arranged, staff support you through security and immigration to the gate. The security screening process aims to take your needs into account.
Who actually provides the assistance?
Special assistance is typically delivered by your airline and its ground handling partners at the airport. That’s why requests should go through your airline’s official channels.
Plan Your Journey at LHE
Explore facilities, terminals, transport, and flight information at Allama Iqbal International Airport.