Air India has unveiled The Maharaja Lounge, its first flagship lounge, at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, marking a significant step in the airline’s ongoing transformation and focus on enhancing the premium travel experience.
Designed in line with Air India’s refreshed branding and design philosophy, The Maharaja Lounge blends heritage-inspired elements with contemporary luxury. The new facility is the first in a series of modern lounges that the airline plans to roll out across key airports in India and internationally as part of its broader customer experience upgrade. The lounge will be progressively opened to Business and First Class passengers, Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and eligible Star Alliance members from February 16, 2026.
The lounge has been conceptualised by global design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) and features refined furnishings, ambient lighting and a cohesive design language aligned with Air India’s new visual identity. Art installations across the lounge draw inspiration from India’s cultural heritage, creating a narrative that reflects the airline’s roots while embracing a modern aesthetic.
Designed to cater to diverse traveller preferences, The Maharaja Lounge is divided into multiple zones, offering tranquil spaces for rest and work alongside more social areas for interaction. Guests can choose environments that suit their needs, whether seeking quiet relaxation or a more engaging setting.
Key spaces in the lounge:
The Aviator’s Bar: The bar has a speakeasy vibe and a well-curated cellar of wines and whiskeys hand-picked for the discerning traveller. Its design draws inspiration from the historic 1932 flight from Karachi to Bombay by Mr. JRD Tata, with the ceiling replicated as the propeller of the first Puss Moth aircraft.
The Globetrotter’s Study: A haven for avid readers and working professionals, the Globetrotter’s Study is Air India’s answer to a working space. A serene and cozy nook, it has a curated book collection across fiction and non-fiction titles. With ample power outlets and high-speed connectivity, it’s an ideal spot for reading in quiet comfort or working while in transit.
Serenity Area: An enclosed area with a calming atmosphere, the Serenity Area is a space that accommodates individual recliners for guests to relax, rest, and rejuvenate.
Crystal Bar: The contemporary-luxury styled bar with subtle hints of traditional Indian motifs is the pièce de résistance in the ‘First Class’ lounge. Serving champagnes along with classic and signature cocktails, its crystal enclosures create a shimmering effect making it a picture-perfect location to raise a toast to luxury.
Tarmac view: The seating and dining sections of the ‘First Class’ lounge overlook the tarmac offering enchanting views of aircraft taking off and landing. The wholesome experience of ‘wine and dine with a view’ is perfect for plane-spotters and curious travellers alike.
Sleep Suites: Guests travelling ‘First Class’ can indulge in pre-flight rest in our exclusive sleep suites crafted for restorative sleep. Imagine waking up relaxed to a fresh juice or a hot beverage before you take off.
Dining is a central element of the Maharaja Lounge experience. Guests can choose from a wide selection of Indian and international dishes, complemented by live cooking stations. A distinctive ‘Beverage on Wheels’ service, inspired by traditional guéridon service, allows bespoke cocktails to be prepared and served at guests’ seats. The cocktail menu has been curated by a specialist mixologist, with each creation drawing on Indian ingredients, culture or Air India’s heritage.
The airline has also introduced a dedicated Tea Programme, celebrating one of India’s most popular beverages. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed teas tailored to individual preferences, accompanied by snacks and savouries presented from a dedicated tea trolley.
Adding a personal touch to the experience, Maharaja-themed postcards have been introduced, allowing guests to keep them as souvenirs.
Commenting on the launch, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Air India, said, “The Maharaja Lounge at Delhi airport is a significant milestone in our transformation journey. It is a tangible and proud representation of the ‘New Air India Experience’. We endeavour to set a benchmark in aviation hospitality, and this is just the beginning. Our strategic expansion plans include substantial investments to build more such platforms across countries that we fly to that will redefine luxury and comfort for our guests.”
