Self-boarding card machines have been deployed at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore along with installations at Islamabad and Karachi airports, allowing passengers to obtain boarding cards automatically as soon as they enter the terminal. The upgrade introduces a digital process that connects travellers to a new e application designed for immigration clearance. According to officials, FIA immigration staff will process passengers through the digital system, which is linked with the Integrated Border Management System IBMS. Authorities expect the shift to reduce manual checks and streamline the experience for departing travellers who previously spent long periods in queues for boarding cards and clearance counters.
The e application allows passengers traveling abroad to provide their complete profile before arriving at the airport. Information such as visa details, employment data and purpose of travel will be entered in advance, giving FIA officials direct digital access to required documents. Passengers will be required to upload all mandatory files and respond to a short set of questions before approval. Once the information is submitted, the system verifies the documents and matches them with IBMS records. The process is intended to reduce the time spent during airport formalities and support officials with organized and accurate data for clearance activities.
All airlines operating from Pakistan will be linked to the digital platform so that passenger information flows directly into relevant systems. After a traveller completes the upload of their details, they can walk into the departure lounge and obtain their boarding card instantly through the self service machines. FIA immigration officials explained that the updated digital workflow helps passengers complete security and immigration steps within minutes, while providing authorities with structured data to manage departures more efficiently. The system has been developed with security controls to safeguard passenger information and prevent unauthorized access.
The introduction of self boarding card machines and the integrated digital clearance application contributes to the broader modernization of airport processes across the country. With Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi airports now adopting these systems, authorities expect faster handling of peak hour traffic and a more predictable experience for passengers. As more travellers begin using the platform, officials anticipate reduced congestion at manual counters and improved coordination between airlines and immigration personnel. The update marks a notable step in airport automation by supporting digital identity checks, reducing paperwork and offering passengers a smoother pathway from entry to boarding.
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