Air India opens 16,000 sq ft flagship lounge in Delhi

Air India has opened its first flagship Maharaja Lounge at the international pier of Terminal 3 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The 16,000 sq ft space, designed for nearly 300 guests, marks a visible step in the airline’s ongoing renewal. The lounge was inaugurated by N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, ahead of welcoming passengers on 16 February 2026.

The Maharaja Lounge combines a large Business Class section with a dedicated First Class area branded ‘Air India First’. Access is being introduced progressively for First and Business Class passengers, Maharaja Club Platinum and Gold members, and eligible Star Alliance Gold customers. Each zone is arranged to suit different travel needs, whether work, dining or rest before departure.

Key areas within the lounge include the Aviator’s Bar, which references the airline’s first flight in 1932 operated by J. R. D. Tata, and the Globetrotter’s Study, set up as a quiet workspace with books and charging points. The Serenity Area has enclosed recliners for passengers who want to rest, while the First Class section includes the Crystal Bar and private Sleep Suites for those wishing to sleep before departure.

For international departures from Delhi, the new lounge offers a calmer start to long-haul journeys. Travellers heading to North America, Europe, Australia or East Asia now have access to dedicated spaces to dine, work or rest before boarding. Sleep suites may be especially useful for late-night departures, while business facilities support those connecting onwards through global Star Alliance hubs.

The launch signals a shift in how Air India wants to be experienced on the ground, not just in the air. A flagship lounge of this scale changes the rhythm of departure at Delhi, particularly for premium and frequent flyers. As further lounges are planned in India and abroad, the focus moves beyond transport alone and towards a more complete travel experience.