NEW DELHI- Air India (AI) has unveiled its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), reinforcing its transformation into a premium global airline.
Located at the international pier of Terminal 3, the 16,000 sq. ft. lounge blends heritage-inspired design with modern luxury and will be progressively opened to eligible guests starting 16 February 2026.
Air India Flagship Maharaja Lounge
The Maharaja Lounge represents a major milestone in Air India’s renewed focus on premium ground experiences.
Designed in line with the airline’s new branding and design philosophy, the lounge sets a new benchmark for comfort, service, and cultural storytelling within Indian aviation.
The lounge accommodates approximately 300 guests and is clearly divided into two distinct zones: an expansive Business Class section and a separate, exclusive First Class lounge.
This spatial segregation ensures privacy, calm, and a tailored experience for different traveller profiles.
The Delhi lounge is the first of several modern lounges Air India plans to launch across India and international destinations.
Access is available to First and Business Class passengers, Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and eligible Star Alliance customers, with entry being introduced in phases from mid-February 2026.
Design Rooted in Indian Heritage
Conceptualised by Hirsch Bedner Associates, the lounge interiors feature refined furnishings, ambient lighting, and a sophisticated material palette aligned with Air India’s refreshed visual identity.
Art installations throughout the lounge narrate stories drawn from India’s cultural legacy, creating a sense of place rather than a generic premium space.
The design language balances warmth, functionality, and understated elegance, supporting both relaxation and productivity.
Distinct Zones for Varied Travel Needs
The Aviator’s Bar
Designed with a speakeasy-style ambience, the Aviator’s Bar houses a curated cellar of premium wines and whiskeys.
Its ceiling replicates the propeller of the Puss Moth aircraft, paying tribute to Mr. J.R.D. Tata’s historic 1932 Karachi-to-Bombay flight.
The Globetrotter’s Study
Created for avid readers and working professionals, this quiet zone offers a curated library of fiction and non-fiction titles.
High-speed connectivity, ample power outlets, and ergonomic seating make it ideal for focused work or relaxed reading.
Serenity Area
An enclosed, tranquil space featuring individual recliners, the Serenity Area is designed for guests seeking uninterrupted rest and rejuvenation.
Crystal Bar
Positioned as the centrepiece of the First Class lounge, the Crystal Bar is the pièce de résistance of the space.
It serves champagnes, classic cocktails, and signature creations within crystal-enclosed surroundings accented by subtle Indian motifs.
Tarmac View Seating
The First Class dining and seating areas overlook the runway, offering uninterrupted views of aircraft movements and enhancing the overall lounge experience for aviation enthusiasts.
Private Sleep Suites
Exclusive to First Class travellers, dedicated sleep suites provide pre-flight rest, with personalised wake-up service including fresh juice or hot beverages.
Elevated Dining and Beverage Experiences
The Maharaja Lounge features a comprehensive dining programme with Indian and international cuisines supported by live cooking stations. Guests can choose meals based on preference, time, and dietary needs.
A distinctive “Beverage on Wheels” service, inspired by traditional gueridon service, delivers bespoke cocktails directly to guests’ seats.
Each cocktail is curated by a specialist mixologist and carries a story linked to Indian culture, native ingredients, or Air India’s heritage.
Complementing this is a dedicated Tea Programme celebrating India’s most cherished beverage.
We serve freshly brewed teas according to guest preference, accompanied by snacks and savouries presented on an aesthetically designed tea trolley.
Under a feature titled The Mail Service, guests can select exclusive Maharaja-themed postcards designed as keepsakes.
These postcards reinforce emotional connection and serve as tangible souvenirs of the lounge experience.
Executive Statement
Air India’s CEO and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, described the Maharaja Lounge at Delhi as a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation journey.
He noted that the lounge is a tangible representation of the New Air India Experience and highlighted plans for continued investment in premium customer platforms across the airline’s global network.
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