• Source:Jagran News Network

The Maharaja Lounge, an iconic space for Air India's premium passengers, is now being upgraded to global standards. In the new year, Air India is planning to open and upgrade several new lounges as part of its revival plan. It is highly likely that by the end of this month, Air India passengers at the country's largest airport, IGI, will have the opportunity to relax in a brand-new Maharaja Lounge. 

This year, Air India is also preparing to open a Maharaja Lounge outside India, in the United States. Air India is preparing to open two lounges for its premium passengers at IGI's Terminal 3. One will be for domestic passengers and the other for those on international flights. 

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The international lounge was scheduled to open last December, but has been delayed, and is likely be opened to passengers by the end of this month. Following this, the Maharaja Lounge for domestic passengers will be opened by the middle of this year. 

Outside India, Air India's main focus is on the United States, marking its second lounge in the US, after the one at New York's JFK Airport. Officials state that they are focusing on global hubs, starting with New Delhi, New York, and San Francisco. The new lounge at San Francisco Airport is said to be ready by February 2026. This lounge will provide facilities for passengers on flights connecting from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. 

The upgrade of the existing Maharaja Lounge at New York's JFK Airport will be completed by March this year. The possibility of establishing lounges in London or Dubai in the future is also being explored. 

What will the facilities be? 

* The Maharaja Lounge will offer high-speed Wi-Fi, private workstations, shower suites, and massage chairs. 

* The dining options will feature a mix of Indian and international cuisine, such as tandoori dishes, fresh salads, a wine selection, and special cocktails. 

* A yoga zone and quiet zones have also been added to the new lounge, designed for essential relaxation before long flights. 

* There will also be a play area for children and business meeting rooms. 

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Why the need and what's new? 

Upgrading Air India's Maharaja Lounges or opening new ones is a significant part of the major transformation plan, Vihaan, which was initiated after the Tata Group's acquisition. This plan focuses on making Air India a world-class airline and includes fleet upgrades, improved service, new menus, and enhanced ground experiences, such as the lounges. 

The old lounges dated back to the time of the former state-owned airline. They offered basic facilities, had an outdated design, and were the subject of complaints in many locations (such as unpleasant odours and limited space). Consequently, the management decided to upgrade them to provide premium passengers with an experience that meets global standards, similar to those of Singapore Airlines or Emirates. 

The new Maharaja Lounge is larger, more modern, and world-class compared to its predecessor. Air India has stated that new aircraft will be added to the fleet in 2026, menus will be upgraded, and the network will expand; their upgraded or new lounges will align with these improvements.


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