First look: Air India reveals stunning new Delhi flagship lounge

For years, the Air India ground experience at Delhi Terminal 3 was something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

Dark, dated, and often crowded, the flagship lounges of the national carrier were a stark reminder of the airline’s lean years.

That era officially ends next week, when Air India opens its all-new Maharaja Lounge at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on February 16.

And it’s a massive departure from the past which signals another milestone in the airline’s ambitious Vihaan.AI transformation program.

Delhi’s Maharaja Lounge also serves as a model for similar flagship lounges at Mumbai, Bengaluru and San Francisco, which the airline says will roll out the red carpet across 2026.

Air India's new Maharaja Lounge at Delhi is the template for more lounges to follow.

Inside Air India’s Delhi Maharaja Lounge

This 16,000 ft² sanctuary is a physical manifestation of the Tata Group’s promised US$400 million investment in ground products.

Designed by global hospitality giant Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) – the firm behind many Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis hotels – Delhi’s Maharaja Lounge trades the old airline’s beige-and-fluorescent aesthetic for a rich palette of deep reds, golds, and warm timber.

The Star Alliance member is clearly leaning into the concept of being a premium airline to differentiate itself from domestic rival Indigo, while also levelling up againt heavy-hitters from the Gulf and Southeast Asia.

The business class buffet at Air India's new Maharaja Lounge, Delhi.

The new Maharaja Lounge caters to business and first class passengers, along with Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers, with the space roughly divided to handle around 300 guests.

The Aviator’s Bar is undoubtedly a highlight.

Designed as a “speakeasy” tucked away within the lounge, the bar pays homage to the airline’s founder, JRD Tata.

The speakeasy-style Aviator's Bar at Air India's new Maharaja Lounge, Delhi.

The ceiling is a structural art piece modelled on the propeller of the Puss Moth aircraft Tata flew during his historic 1932 Karachi-to-Bombay run. It’s a clever touch of heritage that grounds the modern design.

For those needing to clock some hours before a flight to London or New York, the Globetrotter’s Study offers a dedicated workspace, stocked with a curated library of fiction and non-fiction.

The Globetrotter’s Study at Air India's new Maharaja Lounge, Delhi.

The lounge also contains a dedicated First Class zone boasting the best seats in the house: a dining area overlooking the tarmac, allowing for some premium plane-spotting over breakfast.

At the Crystal Bar – a high-end champagne and cocktail bar distinguished by shimmering crystal enclosures – the airline will showcase its top-shelf pours, offering a “picture-perfect location to raise a toast to luxury.”

First class guests also gain access to exclusive Sleep Suites.

One of the first class Sleep Suites at Air India's new Maharaja Lounge, Delhi.

These private, enclosed spaces are designed for restorative pre-flight rest – a feature that puts Air India on par with the likes of Swiss and Lufthansa for ground comfort.

Trolleys and tea

On the dining front, Air India is moving away from the “canteen” vibe of old.

While live cooking stations will serve up fresh Indian and international plates, the airline is introducing two new service concepts: a Tea Programme and a “Beverage on Wheels” service.

Tea and cocktail trolleys are a nod to heritage at Air India's new Maharaja Lounge, Delhi.

The former sees a traditional tea trolley rolling through the lounge, serving freshly brewed blends accompanied by Indian savoury snacks.

The latter is a cocktail trolley inspired by classic gueridon service, bringing bespoke drinks directly to your seat.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson says the lounge “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.”

For the frequent flyer who has watched Air India’s slow but steady climb back to relevance, the new Maharaja Lounge is perhaps the strongest signal yet that the sleeping giant has finally woken up.