SAN FRANCISCO- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) has officially opened its Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), becoming only the second Air India-branded lounge on U.S. soil. The facility spans 3,413 square feet and sits within the A Gates lounge complex, targeting the airline’s growing premium passenger base on the West Coast.
San Francisco is one of Air India’s primary U.S. gateways, with nonstop service operating to New Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR).
With up to 14 weekly flights now operating from SFO, the airline’s decision to invest in a dedicated lounge reflects both the scale of its operations and the expectations of its premium travellers.
Air India Opens New Maharaja Lounge at SFO
The lounge opened in late March 2026 and is located on the fourth floor of the A Gates lounge complex, positioned between the China Airlines Lounge and the Golden Gate Lounge.
It operates daily from 6:00 AM to 11:59 PM, a window that extends well beyond Air India’s own departure schedule, suggesting the space may serve a broader function over time.
As reported by OMAAT, early images posted on FlyerTalk show an elegant interior design that signals a clear upgrade in Air India’s ground product. The general contractor, Build Group, had previously released renderings that gave a preview of the lounge’s aesthetic direction.
At just over 3,400 square feet, this is one of the smaller outstation lounges available at SFO, and it is likely to see high demand around Air India’s departure windows. However, Air India operates a staggered schedule at the airport, meaning no more than one flight departs at a time, which should help manage capacity.
This lounge is Air India’s second branded facility in the United States, after the Maharaja Lounge at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4.
The JFK lounge is currently undergoing a significant renovation, and the SFO facility may serve as a design reference point for that refurbishment.
Why Air India Chose to Open Its Own Lounge at SFO
A natural question arises about why Air India (AI) needed its own facility, given that United Airlines (UA) operates a Polaris Lounge at SFO.
The answer is straightforward: the United Polaris Lounge is located in the G Gates, while Air India departs from the A Gates. The walk between those two areas, though technically connected airside, is impractical for most passengers ahead of a long-haul departure.
Before this opening, Air India was directing its premium passengers to the Golden Gate Lounge and, before that, the Air France Lounge. Neither represented a branded experience aligned with Air India’s ongoing transformation under the Tata Group.
With the new lounge, Air India aims to offer a superior pre-departure experience, positioning itself more competitively against carriers such as British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), and Virgin Atlantic (VS), all of which already operate their own dedicated lounges at SFO.
Star Alliance Access and Possible Priority Pass Integration
Access to the new Maharaja Lounge extends beyond Air India’s own passengers. The lounge is accessible to Maharaja Club members, Star Alliance Gold status holders, premium passengers of other Star Alliance member airlines, and eligible special guests.
Currently, the SFO lounge is not part of the Priority Pass network. However, Air India’s JFK lounge does accept Priority Pass members, and a similar arrangement at SFO in the future cannot be ruled out. The extended operating hours, from 6:00 AM to midnight, support the case for eventual third-party monetisation.
Air India’s lounge expansion at SFO aligns with the broader arrival of the Airbus A350 into its fleet and reflects the airline’s renewed commitment to the premium long-haul segment.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
