Air India Unveils Flagship Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport

New 42,000-sq-ft premium hub signals airline's focus on elevating passenger experience

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Air India has unveiled its flagship 'Maharaja Lounge' at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, a 42,000-square-foot facility that represents a $400 million investment in customer experience upgrades. The lounge, opening on February 16th, features dedicated immigration services, quiet pods, shower suites, and regional Indian cuisine, positioning Air India to compete with global aviation leaders and address competitive pressure from Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers.

Why it matters

The Maharaja Lounge is part of a strategic shift for Air India, as airport lounges evolve from perks to significant revenue drivers for airlines. By offering a seamless and luxurious experience, Air India aims to attract higher-yield passengers and build brand loyalty, particularly on long-haul routes where airport time is considerable.

The details

The lounge, designed by Taj-SATS, includes features like a dedicated immigration desk planned for March, quiet pods, shower suites, and regional Indian cuisine. This allows Air India to streamline processes and offer premium amenities to compete with superior ground services from Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers on key routes like Delhi-London, Delhi-New York, and Delhi-Tokyo.

  • The Maharaja Lounge will open to eligible passengers on February 16, 2026.
  • The dedicated immigration desk is slated to open by March 2026.

The players

Air India

An Indian airline and a subsidiary of Tata Group, which recently acquired the carrier.

Taj-SATS

A hospitality brand partnership that designed the Maharaja Lounge's interiors.

Campbell Wilson

The CEO of Air India, who has indicated plans to expand the Maharaja Lounge concept to Mumbai and Bengaluru.

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What’s next

Air India plans to open flagship Maharaja Lounges in Mumbai and Bengaluru in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The takeaway

Air India's investment in the Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport signals the airline's commitment to elevating the passenger experience and competing with global aviation leaders, particularly on long-haul routes where a premium lounge can provide a significant advantage.