Warm, Polished, and Unmistakably Indian: Air India Opens Flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi

Air India has taken another visible step in its ongoing refresh with the opening of The Maharaja Lounge at Terminal 3 of New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is the airline’s first flagship lounge, and it sets the tone for what Air India wants premium travel to feel like going forward: warm, polished, and unmistakably Indian, without feeling stuck in the past.

The lounge reflects the carrier’s updated branding and design direction, blending classic references with modern comfort. It is also the first of several new lounges Air India plans to roll out in India and abroad as it rethinks the ground experience for its top-tier passengers. Starting February 16, 2026, the space will open in phases to First and Business Class travelers, followed by Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and eligible Star Alliance Gold passengers.

Business Class Main Lounge. Photo: Air India

Designed by global hospitality studio Hirsch Bedner Associates, the lounge feels curated rather than flashy. Soft lighting, refined furniture, and carefully chosen artwork give the space a calm confidence. Indian culture runs through the design in subtle ways, from materials to art pieces that quietly nod to the country’s history and storytelling traditions.

The lounge is divided into zones that match different moods and needs. Some areas are meant for quiet time, others for work, and a few encourage conversation and socializing. Travelers can move easily between them depending on how much time they have or how they want to spend it.

Standout spaces include The Aviator’s Bar, a speakeasy-style setting inspired by JRD Tata’s historic 1932 flight, complete with a ceiling designed to echo the propeller of the Puss Moth aircraft.

The Aviator's Bar. Photo: Air India

For those looking to work or read, The Globetrotter’s Study offers books, power outlets, and a calm atmosphere.

Business Class Globetrotter Study. Photo: Air India

The Serenity Area focuses on rest, with individual recliners tucked away from busier parts of the lounge.

First Class guests get a few extra touches. The Crystal Bar serves champagne and cocktails in a setting that mixes modern luxury with Indian design cues. There are also views of the tarmac from seating and dining areas, and private sleep suites designed for proper pre-flight rest.

Food and drink play a central role here. Guests can choose from Indian and international dishes, including live cooking stations. A roaming “Beverage on Wheels” service brings cocktails directly to seats, while a dedicated tea program celebrates India’s favorite drink with freshly brewed options and traditional accompaniments.

Small details round out the experience, including custom Maharaja postcards that guests can keep or send.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & 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.”