Air India has announced the opening of its newest signature lounge, the Maharaja Lounge, at San Francisco International Airport, further extending the airline’s ongoing product and service transformation across key international gateways.
Officially opening to guests on May 23, the new lounge is located near Gate A1 in the International Terminal at SFO and represents the second signature Maharaja Lounge concept introduced by the airline following the recent launch of its flagship lounge in Delhi.
Spread across 3,300 square feet, the lounge has a seating capacity for 80 guests and is accessible to Air India’s First and Business Class passengers, as well as Platinum and Gold members of the airline’s Maharaja Club loyalty programme. The facility also includes a dedicated private section reserved exclusively for First Class travellers.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said, “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India. North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both, this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in time to come.”
“As Air India continues to transform into a world-class global airline, we are focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience across our network, blending modern luxury with the warmth and timeless appeal of Indian hospitality.”
The Maharaja Lounge has been conceptualised by global hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates and has been designed as an immersive space reflecting Indian heritage alongside contemporary luxury aesthetics.
The interiors incorporate a blend of champagne, ivory and deep red tones aligned with the airline’s evolving brand identity, alongside signature ‘Vista”’ design motifs integrated across walls, furniture and décor elements.
The lounge also pays tribute to Air India’s longstanding association with art and culture through installations by local artists showcasing regional heritage, while selected displays incorporate upcycled aircraft components transformed into contemporary art pieces.
The space has been divided into several curated zones designed to offer distinct guest experiences.
At the centre of the lounge is the Aviator’s Bar, designed with a speakeasy-inspired aesthetic and featuring a curated selection of wines, whiskies and signature cocktails. Among the bespoke beverages offered is the Maharaja Manhattan, inspired by Indian black pepper and crafted as a reinterpretation of the classic Manhattan cocktail.
The lounge’s seating and dining areas, including the Business Class section and the Private Zone, overlook the airport tarmac, offering guests direct views of aircraft movements and runway activity.
Adjacent to the bar is the Social Zone, conceived as a communal interaction space for travellers. According to the airline, the area has been designed to balance social engagement with pockets of privacy within the busy environment of an international airport hub.
The dining area offers an extensive culinary programme featuring Indian and international cuisine, including live cooking stations, hot and cold buffet counters and beverage stations.
Meanwhile, the dedicated Private Zone has been designed as a quieter and more intimate environment for First Class guests, offering enhanced privacy, comfort and personalised service prior to departure.
