About Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport (ISB)

Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport is the primary airport serving Pakistan’s capital city, and is the third-largest air facility in the country. Our Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport guide includes details on terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options, as well as useful contact details.

Airport news:

Due to fears over the current airport not being sufficient for an increasing numbers of passengers, a new airport is under construction in Islamabad. New Islamabad International Airport is scheduled to open in early 2017 (though this project is susceptible to delays), and it is unclear whether Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport will continue operating once the new facility opens.

Information:

Information desks are located at various points within the terminal.

Website:

Driving directions:

From central Islamabad, take the Kashmir Highway and then Islamabad Highway southbound to the Benazir Bhutto International Airport link road. The airport is well signposted from this point.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Taxi:Several taxi firms, including Metro Radio Cab, Yellow Cab and Cab Radio Services, have desks in the main concourse. The fare into Islamabad starts at about Rs500, and the journey time is around 30 minutes.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There are several banks with bureaux de change facilities and ATMs in the terminal building.

Food:

A good selection of restaurants and cafés/snack bars can be found throughout the airport. The offering includes eateries serving both local and international food.

Shopping:

The shops in the shopping arcade offer a range of local crafts and souvenirs. Duty-free shopping is available in the departures area.

Luggage:

Lost property enquiries should be directed to the nearest information desk (tel: +92 51 9928 0300). Complimentary luggage trolleys are available in the departure lounges. Porters are also available for hire for a small fee.

Other:

Prayer rooms and designated smoking areas are available at various locations within the terminal.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

Fax, photocopy and internet facilities can be found in the small business centre in the main hall. The CIP lounge, which is open to first- and business-class passengers, offers a range of services such as refreshments, newspapers and work space.

There are no dedicated conference or meeting facilities at the airport, but several hotels in central Islamabad and nearby Rawalpindi provide these facilities. Among the options is the nearby Pearl-Continental Hotel Rawalpindi (tel: +92 51 556 6011; www.pchotels.com), which has meeting and event space.

Communication Facilities:

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the majority of Islamabad Benazir Bhutto International Airport. Additionally, public payphones are located at various points within the terminal.

Disabled facilities:

Passengers requiring special assistance should contact their airline prior to travel. Wheelchair assistance and ramps are available within the airport complex.

Car parking:

There is long- and short-term parking close to the terminal building.

Car rental:

It is not recommended to hire cars without drivers, due to poor surface conditions and a lack of road safety. Chauffeured cars can be hired from A1 Madina Tours in the arrivals concourse.