After 2025, a turbulent year in aviation, Air India is back on its transformation journey. Alongside the ongoing retrofitting of its existing Dreamliner fleet, the airline unveiled its first Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi Airport. After a few years of large-scale renovation, the flagship lounge opened to take the world aback and silence its critics. Air India’s New Delhi airport lounge is a signature statement on contemporary luxury and Indian hospitality.
Spread over 16,000 square feet, the lounge is spacious enough to host around 300 guests at a time. The interiors meticulously blend world-class luxury and traditional Indian designs. The lounge is divided into two distinct zones for premium guests of Air India flights: Expansive ‘Business’ section, and Exclusive ‘First Class’ section. The Business section has enhanced seating, elevated dining, and cozy workspace, whereas the First Class section offers more private facilities like sleep suites.
Location of Maharaja Lounge at Delhi Airport
Air India reopened Maharaja Lounge in the departure area of Terminal 3, New Delhi Airport. It is situated airside on the mezzanine level, after immigration and security checks, making it accessible only to international passengers cleared for boarding. It is easy to locate the lounge above the duty-free zone, following clear signage throughout Terminal 3.
Inside Air India’s Delhi Airport Maharaja Lounge: Exclusive Features
The Aviator’s Bar: The bar will offer an exclusive selection of wines and whiskies curated for the discerning traveler. Its interior draws inspiration from the historic 1932 Karachi to Bombay flight by Mr. JRD Tata, the pioneer of civil aviation in India. The ceiling is designed as the propeller of the first Puss Moth aircraft, celebrating Air India’s aviation legacy.
The Globetrotter’s Study: This is a serene cozy corner with a hand-picked collection of fiction and nonfiction titles for avid readers and working professionals. Besides, adequate power outlets and high-speed Internet connectivity make the Globetrotter’s Study an ideal place for peaceful reading or working.
Serenity Area: Air India’s Delhi Airport lounge has an enclosed area with individual recliners where guests can relax, rest, and rejuvenate before catching long-haul international flights to New York, London, Toronto, and other prime destinations. It has meditative ambience to calm the body and the mind.
Tarmac View Seating: Watching aircraft take-off and landings while sipping from a fine glass of wine or dining in an exquisite setting is a sheer luxury for frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts. With that interest in mind, Air India got the seating and dining areas designed in the ‘First Class’ section overlooking the tarmac.
Sleep Suites: First Class guests are in for maharaja-like treatment in exclusive sleep suites with cushioned beds and ambient lights at the flagship Air India lounge at New Delhi Airport. After restorative sleep for a couple of hours, guests can wake up energized for international flights to USA from New Delhi.
Who can access new Air India lounge at Delhi Airport T3?
Starting 16 February 2026, Air India’s premium guests traveling in First Class or holding business class tickets for overseas trips can access the flagship lounge. The eligible passenger list is as below:
- Air India First Class passengers
- Air India Business Class passengers
- Maharaja Club Gold members
- Maharaja Club Platinum members
- Eligible Star Alliance First and Business Class passengers
- Star Alliance Gold members traveling internationally
