Air India launches first flagship Maharaja Lounge at IGI
Air India has unveiled The Maharaja Lounge, its first flagship lounge, at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, marking a major step in the airline’s ongoing transformation and setting a new benchmark for premium travel comfort infused with warm Indian hospitality.
Designed in line with Air India’s new branding and design philosophy, The Maharaja Lounge blends heritage-inspired ambience with contemporary luxury. The facility is the first of several modern lounges that the airline plans to introduce across airports in India and internationally as it continues to elevate the customer experience. The lounge will be progressively opened to passengers travelling in Business and First Class, Gold and Platinum Maharaja Club members, and eligible Star Alliance customers starting 16 February 2026.
Conceptualised by global design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the lounge features premium interiors, refined furnishings, ambient lighting, and curated art installations that reflect India’s rich cultural heritage. The design language creates a strong sense of place while aligning seamlessly with Air India’s refreshed visual identity.
The Maharaja Lounge is divided into distinct zones catering to different traveller needs, offering quiet spaces for relaxation and work alongside more vibrant areas for social interaction. Key highlights include The Aviator’s Bar, a speakeasy-style bar inspired by JRD Tata’s historic 1932 Karachi–Bombay flight, featuring a ceiling designed to resemble the propeller of the Puss Moth aircraft and a carefully curated selection of wines and whiskies.
The Globetrotter’s Study offers a calm, library-style workspace with a curated collection of fiction and non-fiction titles, ample power outlets, and high-speed connectivity. For guests seeking rest, the Serenity Area provides individual recliners in a soothing, enclosed environment.
The First-Class lounge features the Crystal Bar, a contemporary luxury space serving champagnes and signature cocktails amid shimmering crystal enclosures, as well as seating and dining areas overlooking the tarmac, offering views of aircraft take-offs and landings.
First Class guests can also access exclusive sleep suites designed for restorative pre-flight rest, complete with personalised wake-up beverage service.
Dining at The Maharaja Lounge includes a wide selection of Indian and international dishes, complemented by live cooking stations. A unique “Beverage on Wheels” service, inspired by traditional gueridon service, offers bespoke cocktails served at guests’ seats, with each drink drawing inspiration from Indian culture, regional ingredients, or Air India’s heritage. The airline has also introduced a dedicated Tea Programme, allowing guests to enjoy freshly brewed teas tailored to their preferences, served alongside snacks and savouries from an elegant tea trolley.
Adding a thoughtful personal touch, exclusive Maharaja-designed postcards have been introduced for guests to keep as souvenirs or send by post.
Commenting on the launch, Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Air India, said the opening of The Maharaja Lounge at Delhi airport represents a significant milestone in the airline’s transformation journey and a tangible expression of the “New Air India Experience.” He added that the airline aims to set a new benchmark in aviation hospitality, with plans to expand similar lounges across its global network.
