The Maharaja Lounge marks a major step in Air India’s ongoing transformation as the Tata Group-owned airline unveils its first flagship premium lounge at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal 3. Opened on February 6, the new facility reflects Air India’s renewed focus on luxury, comfort, and world-class hospitality for premium and frequent flyers.
Spread across 16,000 square feet, The Maharaja Lounge has been designed to host nearly 300 guests across dedicated Business Class and exclusive First Class sections. The space blends contemporary luxury with heritage-inspired design, offering travellers an elevated pre-flight experience at one of India’s busiest airports.
Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson described the launch as a defining moment for the airline. He said the lounge represents the “New Air India Experience” and signals the beginning of broader investments aimed at redefining premium aviation hospitality across the airline’s global network.
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Opening Date and Guest Eligibility
The Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport’s Terminal 3 will open to eligible guests from February 16, 2026.
Access will be available to:
- Passengers travelling in Business Class and First Class
- Gold and Platinum members of the Maharaja Club
- Eligible Star Alliance members
Designed Spaces for Work, Relaxation and Socialising
Air India has divided The Maharaja Lounge into multiple zones to cater to different traveller needs, ranging from quiet corners for work and relaxation to lively social spaces.
The Aviator’s Bar
Inspired by aviation history, The Aviator’s Bar features a speakeasy-style ambience and a curated selection of premium wines and whiskies. Its design pays tribute to JRD Tata’s historic 1932 Karachi-to-Bombay flight, with a ceiling shaped like the propeller of the first Puss Moth aircraft.
The Globetrotter’s Study
Designed for readers and working professionals, The Globetrotter’s Study functions as a modern workspace. It offers a curated collection of fiction and non-fiction books, ample charging points, and high-speed internet connectivity in a quiet, comfortable setting.
Exclusive First Class Experiences
The First Class section of The Maharaja Lounge introduces additional premium offerings tailored for Air India’s most elite travellers.
Crystal Bar
The Crystal Bar features a contemporary luxury design and serves premium champagnes, along with classic and signature cocktails exclusively for First Class guests.
Tarmac Views
Seating and dining areas in the First Class lounge overlook the airport tarmac, offering uninterrupted views of aircraft movements an added delight for aviation enthusiasts.
Sleep Suites
First Class passengers can enjoy private sleep suites, allowing them to rest comfortably before long-haul flights.
Elevated Dining and Beverage Offerings
The Maharaja Lounge offers a wide range of Indian and international cuisine for all guests, complemented by live cooking stations. A distinctive highlight is the ‘Beverage on Wheels’ service, inspired by traditional gueridon dining, which allows personalised cocktail service directly at guests’ seats.
To honour India’s love for tea, Air India has also introduced a dedicated Tea Programme, serving freshly brewed teas accompanied by snacks and savouries from a traditional tea trolley.
Thoughtful Touches and Guest Experiences
Enhancing the immersive experience, Air India has introduced Maharaja-themed postcards available exclusively in the lounge. Guests can keep them as souvenirs, adding a personal and nostalgic element to their journey.
The launch of The Maharaja Lounge aligns with the broader transformation of the Air India Group, which currently operates a fleet of more than 300 aircraft across its full-service and low-cost carriers.