Cargo Services —
Lahore Airport
A guide to air freight at Allama Iqbal International Airport — the dedicated Cargo Terminal, the import and export process, what’s handled, and what shippers need to know before sending goods by air.
The Cargo Terminal
Allama Iqbal International Airport has a dedicated Cargo Terminal, separate from the passenger terminals, that handles all commercial import and export air freight. It is not accessible to regular travellers — cargo operations are restricted to registered agents, importers, exporters, and authorized personnel, with all cargo cleared through Pakistan Customs.
For businesses & individuals: This page is a general guide to how air cargo works at Lahore Airport. Exact procedures, charges, and operating hours are handled by the cargo facility, airlines, and licensed clearing agents — confirm current requirements with your airline or a registered customs clearing agent before shipping.
Cargo Services at the Terminal
The Cargo Terminal supports the full range of commercial air freight functions, from receiving and processing shipments to customs clearance and documentation.
Import Handling
Receiving and processing inbound commercial cargo arriving from international airlines, ready for customs clearance and release to the consignee.
Export Handling
Processing outbound goods for international shipment by air, including acceptance, screening, and loading coordination with the operating carrier.
Pakistan Customs Clearance
All cargo must be inspected and cleared by Pakistan Customs before it can be released for import or loaded for export.
Perishable Goods
Handling for temperature-sensitive and perishable shipments that require careful, time-critical processing — coordinate cold-chain needs in advance.
Dangerous Goods
Acceptance and handling of IATA-classified dangerous goods is subject to strict international regulations and correct declaration and packaging.
Freight Documentation
Air waybill processing, cargo manifests, and the customs documentation needed to move shipments through the terminal.
How Air Cargo Moves Through LHE
The exact steps differ for imports and exports, but the general flow of a commercial air cargo shipment looks like this. Most shippers work through a licensed clearing agent or freight forwarder who manages these stages.
Booking & Documentation
The shipper or freight forwarder books cargo space with an airline and prepares the air waybill and supporting documents.
Acceptance at Terminal
For exports, goods are delivered to the Cargo Terminal, weighed, and accepted. For imports, cargo arrives by air and is offloaded into the facility.
Screening & Security
Cargo is screened in line with security regulations. Correct, detailed descriptions are required — vague entries can cause delays.
Customs Clearance
Pakistan Customs assesses duties and taxes and inspects the shipment as needed. Clearance must be completed before release or loading.
Release or Departure
Cleared import cargo is released to the consignee; export cargo is loaded onto the aircraft for its onward international journey.
Tip for shippers: Provide complete, accurate cargo manifests and avoid vague descriptions such as “samples” or “documents.” Working through a Known Consignor or a registered/regulated agent helps your shipment meet PCAA and airport requirements and move without unnecessary delays.
Types of Cargo
Air freight at Lahore Airport covers a broad range of commercial goods. Some categories require special handling, declarations, or advance arrangement.
General Cargo
Standard commercial goods, parcels, crates, pallets, and boxes that don’t need special conditions to transport.
Perishables
Time-sensitive items such as food and other temperature-controlled goods that need quick, careful processing.
Dangerous Goods
IATA-classified hazardous materials, accepted only with correct declaration, packaging, and full regulatory compliance.
Heavy & Project Cargo
Bulky or heavy items such as machinery, equipment, and spare parts, which may require special handling arrangements.
Pharma & Sensitive Goods
High-value, regulated, or temperature-sensitive shipments that need controlled handling throughout the chain.
Express & Time-Critical
Urgent shipments where speed is the priority — air freight is the fastest mode for time-sensitive goods.
Documentation & Requirements
Air cargo relies on accurate paperwork. While your freight forwarder or clearing agent will guide the exact list for your shipment, these are the essentials and good practices to keep in mind.
🗂️ Typical Documents
- Air Waybill (AWB): The core transport document issued for the shipment
- Commercial Invoice: Detailing the goods and their value
- Packing List: Itemising contents, weights, and dimensions
- Cargo Manifest: Detailed and accurate, with clear descriptions
- Customs Declarations: As required for import or export clearance
- Special Certificates: e.g. for dangerous goods or perishables, where applicable
✅ Good Practices
- Use clear, specific descriptions — avoid vague terms like “samples” or “documents”
- Ensure PCAA and airport compliance for all shipments
- Work through a Known Consignor or registered/regulated agent where possible
- Declare dangerous goods correctly and package them per IATA rules
- Arrange cold-chain handling in advance for perishables
- Confirm current charges and timings before you ship
Frequently Asked Questions — Cargo at LHE
Does Lahore Airport have a cargo terminal?
Yes. Allama Iqbal International Airport has a dedicated Cargo Terminal, separate from the passenger terminals, handling all commercial import and export air freight.
How much cargo does LHE handle?
According to Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority statistics, the airport handled 114,882 metric tons of cargo in the July 2024 – June 2025 period.
Who can use the cargo terminal?
The Cargo Terminal is restricted to registered cargo agents, importers, exporters, and authorized personnel. It is not accessible to regular passengers.
Does cargo need to clear customs?
Yes. All cargo must be inspected and cleared by Pakistan Customs before it can be released for import or loaded for export.
How do I send air cargo from Lahore?
Most shippers work through a licensed freight forwarder or customs clearing agent, who books space with an airline, prepares documentation, and manages clearance at the terminal.
Can dangerous or perishable goods be shipped?
Yes, subject to rules. Dangerous goods must follow IATA regulations with correct declaration and packaging, and perishables need cold-chain handling arranged in advance.
What documents do I need for air cargo?
Typically an air waybill, commercial invoice, packing list, accurate cargo manifest, and customs declarations — plus special certificates for restricted goods. Your agent will confirm the exact list.
What are the cargo terminal’s hours?
The Cargo Terminal operates daily, with hours aligned to cargo flight operations rather than fixed public hours. Confirm timings with your airline or agent before delivery or collection.
Plan Your Journey at LHE
Explore terminals, transport, facilities, and flight information at Allama Iqbal International Airport.