Aircraft and hospitality (both on ground and on board) are major drivers for Air India’s growth and transformation in the coming days. While the long-running global supply chain issues are delaying new aircraft delivery to the airline, several other issues have slowed down refurbishment of the existing Air India lounges and construction of new ones, including the flagship Maharaja lounge at San Francisco International Airport. However, something is better than nothing. The second Air India lounge in USA is under construction at SFO Airport, according to several reports.
Why SFO Airport for Air India Maharaja Lounge?
Needless to say, San Francisco is one of the primary Air India gateways in USA for nonstop flights to India. In the west coast US, Air India operates nonstop flights from SFO Airport to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. SFO-DEL service has daily frequency, whereas the SFO-BOM frequency will be 3x weekly and the SFO-BLR flight frequency will be 4x weekly starting in September 2025. High travel demand on these routes drives the boking of Air India flight tickets like hot cakes.
The upcoming Air India lounge in San Francisco (SFO) would be a dedicated, upscale space with maharaja-like service to premium travelers, as envisioned by the Tata Group.
Location of Air India Lounge at SFO Airport
At San Francisco Int. Airport, the AI Maharaja Lounge is coming up on the fourth floor of the international terminal where the Golden Gate Lounge and the lounge of China Airlines are located. Some travelers taking flights from San Francisco to India noticed a signage outside the construction spot for Air India’s much-awaited lounge facility at SFO.
Currently, Air India’s Maharaja Club members and premium passengers can access United Lounge at SFO Airport to unwind before their departure to India or during a domestic connection after arrival.
When will the new Air India lounge open in San Francisco?
Air India has not yet officially announced any timeline for the under-construction Maharaja lounge at San Francisco Airport. It is highly anticipated that the airline’s third flagship lounge (next to the Maharaja Lounge at New Delhi and NY JFK airports) may open to public in 2026, as a significant milestone in Air India’s transformation journey – Vihaan.AI.
Also Read: Best and Safest Aircraft in Air India Fleet for US-India Travel
