Air India to create premium lounge at Delhi airport

The Tata Group-promoted Air India plans to offer passengers a premium lounge experience at Delhi airport, with the first of these modern facilities expected to be operational by mid-next year, sources told businessline.According to sources, similar premium lounges will be established in Mumbai and Bengaluru, but in phases.

Sources said the groundbreaking ceremony for the new international lounge at Delhi airport was held about a month ago, and the facility is expected to be ready by June 2025.“The intention behind the move is to provide the best lounge experience to our passengers. As we are adding new aircraft to the Air India Group fleet with updated inflight products, it is essential to offer our passengers an enhanced ground service experience,” sources told businessline.

The airline has appointed Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), a hospitality interior design firm, to refurbish the existing Air India lounges at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport, New Delhi, and Terminal 4 of JFK Airport, New York.

“The lounge features a luxurious setting with sophisticated furnishings, ambient lighting, and contemporary decor, offering ample seating options. The luxurious ambience of the lounge has been inspired by Air India’s new branding,” sources said.

As per sources, the new lounges are intended to offer an enhanced experience to first-class, business-class, eligible FFP, and Star Alliance members.Besides, to elevate the service standards of the existing lounge at T3, the airline has handed over the facility to a new concessionaire for management and operations.“Encalm (Hospitality) has been given operational control of the existing lounge. They are expected to maintain high service standards.”

In addition, sources pointed out that Air India will build its own lounges, which will then be operated by a third party.