Review: CIP Lounge Islamabad Airport
- Konrad Tillman
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Intro
Prior to my flight onboard FlyJinnah from Islamabad to Sharjah, I decided to check out the only lounge at Islamabad Airport: The CIP Lounge. For those that are heading through the airport, this is the only lounge inside the international terminal...
I've gotta say, this isn't a bad lounge at all, especially considering that Priority Pass is accepted, and 3-hour passes are sold for 20$. With an okay buffet, comfortable seating, and not too many people, I managed to get some work done during my time here.
Location+Access
Those seeking to visit the CIP Lounge, this is one of the easiest lounges to locate that I have ever come across in an airport. Once clearing security, simply head to the right and it will be up the stairs, or the elevator if you are lazy like me.
The CIP Lounge is pretty much open to anyone with the following terms and conditions:
Passengers flying Business Class when departing Islamabad (free)
Passengers with an outbound flight and a membership to Priority Pass
Passengers can purchase a 3-hour pass for 20 USD
Left Side Of The Lounge
There are two parts to the lounge here, as I presume that these used to be two separate lounges before the airport was renovated. On the left-hand side, where you check into the lounge, is the more dated part of the lounge, but also where you will find a larger buffet.
The seating is designed in a more traditional dining-esque layout, but I appreciated the fact that the seats were modern, and the whole place felt clean.
Those looking to dine, there are simple finger foods such as sandwiches kept in refrigerators, as well as a few hot options against the wall. Drinks are available throughout the lounge, such as soft drinks and water, but keep in mind that Pakistan is a dry country (legally at least), so alcohol is NOT offered in the lounge.
The Right Side Of The Lounge
However, if you are really looking to kick back into some luxury, I recommend taking the brief 15-second walk across the hallway to the much nicer part of the lounge. Don't worry, these are both the same lounges and included in the access cost (if you pay).
This part of the lounge is laid out in a modern decor, and reminded me somewhat of the Thai Airways lounge in Bangkok in some ways. There was plenty of seating, comfortable at that, and it never got too busy.
However, if you happen to want some nice warm food to fill up on before your flight, this part of the lounge does not have it. While it still features the likes of muffins and sandwiches, you will have to walk across the way, pick up some food, and then bring it back to this part of the lounge.
Feeling thirsty? That you will not have to walk across the way for. Stations around the lounge offer customers soft drinks, a water station, and a broken coffee machine (you press cappuccino and a latte comes out).
Amenities
There are a couple of more amenities throughout the lounge which are noteworthy, and the first one happens to be a prayer room located in the modern side of the lounge. Obviously Pakistan is a very religious country, so this is a nice touch from the CIP Lounge is Islamabad.
While few power port are located throughout the lounge, there is a station to charge smaller electronic devices near the bathrooms in the main lounge. Another nice addition here!
And speaking of the bathrooms, I was pleased to find them located in the back and kept relatively clean during my stay. Look, after the hotel in Peshawar, having hot water to wash my hands was a treat in its own right.
Lastly, I didn't get a photograph, but there is a smoking room located around the corner, which is only accessible to lounge guests. If you fancy a cigarette before you smoke (vaping rules are stingy here), feel free to head there to light up.
Final Thoughts
If you happen to be flying out of Islamabad Airport anytime soon, and are either flying business class, have Priority Pass, or would like to spend 20$ to access a lounge, look no further than the only lounge in the airport: The CIP Lounge.
While not the greatest lounge I have ever been to, there is a multitude of amenities, comfortable seating, food on offer, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. All in all, well worth an extra 20$ paid by credit card.
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