LAHORE (special crosspondent) – President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, has formally urged the federal government, the Ministry of Interior, and relevant aviation authorities to implement practical measures to enhance passenger facilities and streamline traffic flow at Allama Iqbal International Airport. In a recent statement, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol acknowledged the commendable efforts made by the Federal Interior Minister and the current airport administration, noting that significant strides have been achieved in administrative management, security protocols, and passenger service quality over recent years. These improvements, he observed, have provided substantial relief to citizens and helped bolster Pakistan’s international standing.

Challenges During Peak Operating Hours

Addressing the operational pressures, the LCCI President highlighted that the rising number of international flights, specifically those scheduled between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., has resulted in severe congestion within the airport’s departure zone. Currently, the limitation of a single drop-off lane frequently leads to prolonged delays. This inefficiency, he warned, not only causes significant loss of time but also increases the risk of passengers missing their scheduled departures.

Strategic Proposals for Infrastructure and Traffic

To mitigate these challenges, the LCCI President proposed the construction of additional drop-off lanes on the departure approach road, a move he believes would ensure smoother vehicular movement and timely access to the terminal. He cited the operational success of major international airports in developed economies, which typically utilize multiple drop-off lanes to manage high-volume traffic.

Furthermore, Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol emphasized the necessity of modernizing the parking system. He recommended the introduction of a time-sensitive parking policy for the departure area, involving the issuance of entry tokens and the imposition of penalties for vehicles exceeding the allocated time. According to the LCCI leadership, such a system would discourage unnecessary idling, improve overall traffic circulation, and provide an additional stream of government revenue.

Security Protocols and National Impression

While expressing appreciation for the diligent work of the Airport Security Force and other agencies in maintaining public safety as a top priority, the LCCI President suggested a refined approach to vehicle inspections. He recommended that vehicles requiring detailed security checks should be diverted to a designated inspection bay away from the main thoroughfare. This adjustment, he argued, would ensure rigorous security standards are maintained without impeding the flow of other passengers.

Reflecting on the broader impact of airport efficiency, the LCCI President stated that an airport serves as the primary gateway and the initial point of contact for foreign visitors, investors, and overseas Pakistanis. “The perception formed by tourists and business travelers at the airport defines their initial opinion of the country,” he remarked, adding that creating a modern, organized, and passenger-friendly facility is a matter of national importance. Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol concluded by expressing his optimism that the authorities would consider these proposals seriously, ultimately fostering greater convenience for travelers and staff while further strengthening Pakistan’s global image.