Air India has pulled back the curtain on a new flagship lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, signaling a sharper push into premium ground hospitality as the carrier continues its broader turnaround.
The Maharaja Lounge, located at the international pier of Terminal 3 in Delhi, spans 16,000 square feet and is designed to accommodate around 300 guests across business and first-class zones. Air India said eligible access will follow standard rules for premium cabins and status, including travelers in First and Business Class, Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and qualifying Star Alliance Gold flyers, with entry beginning February 16, 2026.
A Flagship Built Around Zones, Heritage, and Work-Friendly Space
The lounge was conceptualized by design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), with Air India framing the space as a balance of heritage cues and modern luxury. The airline highlighted distinct zones intended to match different traveler needs – quieter corners for downtime, more social areas for meeting and conversation, and work-friendly seating for travelers trying to stay productive between flights.
Among the signature areas is the Aviator’s Bar, positioned as a speakeasy-style hideaway that nods to JRD Tata and his historic 1932 flight from Karachi to Bombay. Air India said the ceiling design echoes the propeller of a Puss Moth aircraft, tying a specific piece of airline history to a highly contemporary lounge feature.
Another focal point is the Globetrotter’s Study, described as a dedicated space for reading and work, with a curated library spanning fiction and non-fiction and practical amenities like power access and connectivity. The carrier also called out a Serenity Area designed around individual recliners for rest and recovery.
Dining, First-Class Extras, and Sleep Suites for Long-Haul Travelers
Air India is repositioning lounge dining as more than a buffet stop. The Maharaja Lounge includes a range of Indian and international options, supported by live cooking stations. It also introduces two service concepts meant to bring a premium feel to the room: a Tea Programme served from a trolley with snacks and savories, and a “Beverage on Wheels” cocktail service inspired by traditional gueridon presentation, with drinks delivered directly to guests in their seats.
For first-class travelers, the lounge adds more separation and more perks. Air India highlighted the Crystal Bar – a champagne and cocktail venue styled with crystal elements – and seating and dining areas with tarmac views for travelers who want to watch aircraft movements while they wait.
The biggest differentiator, though, is a set of Sleep Suites reserved for first-class guests, positioned as private spaces for preflight rest before long-haul departures. Air India also said it has added a small “Mail Service” touch: Maharaja-designed postcards intended as souvenirs from the lounge visit.