Pakistan Introduces Self-Boarding Card Machines at Major Airports

A New Era of Smart Air Travel

The self-boarding system is now operational at three of Pakistan’s busiest airports:

• Jinnah International Airport, Karachi

• Allama Iqbal International Airport, Lahore

• Islamabad International Airport

These airports handle millions of passengers every year, and the new digital infrastructure aims to make the check-in and immigration process smoother, faster, and more secure.

How the Self-Boarding System Works

The process is simple and traveler-friendly:

1. Pre-Fill Your Passenger Profile
   International travelers first complete an online passenger profile through the dedicated e-application. This includes basic personal details, visa information, travel purpose, and required document uploads.

2. Automated Verification
   The app is fully integrated with Pakistan’s Integrated Border Management System (IBMS), enabling real-time verification by airport and immigration authorities.

3. Print Your Boarding Card
   Once the online form is complete, passengers can head to any self-boarding kiosk at the airport to print their boarding card—no need to wait in long airline queues.

4. Faster Immigration Processing
   Since passenger information is digitally verified beforehand, travelers experience faster, smoother movement through immigration checks.

Security Meets Convenience

The system is built with strong security features, including document authentication and verification questions. By digitizing passenger screening, the airports not only speed up transit but also enhance border security.

In addition, Pakistan is planning to expand this digital transformation by introducing automated e-gates, which will allow travelers to pass through immigration using facial recognition and automated passport control—similar to systems at major international hubs.

Self Check-In Kiosks Already in Use

Before the introduction of self-boarding card machines, several airports had already adopted self check-in kiosks for seat selection and boarding pass printing. Islamabad, Karachi, and Faisalabad airports have been using these systems for domestic and some international flights, preparing the ground for more advanced automation.

A Significant Step Toward Modern Travel

The rollout of self-boarding machines marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s aviation sector. Travelers can now enjoy:

• Shorter queues

• Reduced manual processing

• Quicker immigration

• More secure and efficient verification

• A smoother overall airport experience

With these upgrades, Pakistan is aligning itself with global standards and making air travel more convenient for millions of passengers every year.

Disclaimer

The image is AI-generated only for illustration