Air India is ready to open the doors of the new Maharaja Lounge, and it looks really nice

Air India's renaissance continues: After nearly two years of "Nanny care", here is another piece that says a lot about where the company wants to go.

At Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi), in International Terminal 3, Air India has completed the first flagship lounge "The Maharaja Lounge."

News that weighs double for us Italians: not only because the company flies to Italy on Milan and from March also on Rome, but also because when ITA Airways joins Star Alliance, this could become (depending on access rules and local agreements) one of the most "logical" spaces to look at for passengers transiting from New Delhi.

New "The Maharaja Lounge"

The new lounge is large almost 1500sqm and is located in the interanational area of Terminal 3 Indira Gandhi International Airport. The stated capacity is about 300 guests, divided between a broad "Business" section and a dedicated "First Class" section.

According to the statement, access will be open gradually from Feb. 16, a:

• passengers Business e First Class
• members Gold e Platinum Of the Maharaja Club program
• eligible Star Alliance members

"New Air India" design

The lounge was born within the company's new brand philosophy: a mix of heritage-inspired atmosphere e modern luxury. Here Air India has focused on different "zones" to meet opposite needs: work, decompression, sociability, rest.

The Aviator's Bar is described as having a "speakeasy" atmosphere, with a selected wine and whiskey cellar. There is also a strong narrative element: the design recalls the historic 1932 flight from Karachi to Bombay piloted by J.R.D. Tata, with a ceiling inspired by the Puss Moth propeller.

Globetrotter's Study: "working" corner and bookstore. The Study is designed for those who need to work (or just read): quiet nook, books (fiction and nonfiction), power outlets, and high-speed connectivity.

Serenity Area: recliner and "calm" mood. Enclosed relaxing area with recliners for resting and recharging.

Crystal Bar: the "signature" of the First Class lounge. In the First Class section is the Crystal Bar, called the "pièce de résistance": champagne, classic and signature cocktails, crystal enclosures for a very dramatic "shimmering" effect.

Also in First Class, the seating and dining areas look directly at the apron: perfect for those who like to watch takeoffs and landings while eating (or toasting).

Sleep Suites: pre-flight rest for First Class. Sleep suites dedicated to pre-flight rest are provided for First Class passengers, with the idea of "waking up" to find a fresh juice or hot drink before boarding.

Food & Beverage

On food here we get serious: a wide selection of offerings is cited Indian and international, with live cooking stations.

On beverage, the statement insists on two "experiential" touches:

• Beverage on Wheels: gueridon-inspired service, with cocktails served directly to the place
• cocktails created with a mixologist, each with a story related to culture/ingredients/heritage Air India

In addition, a Tea Program dedicated to tea (and here, in India, it all fits): freshly brewed tea according to preference, snacks and savouries on a tea trolley.

"Mail Service": souvenir postcards in Maharaja style. To add a "tangible" detail, postcards designed in Maharaja style, also designed as souvenirs, are introduced.

The CEO & Managing Director Campbell Wilson calls the opening of the lounge a "milestone" in the transformation journey, a concrete representation of the "New Air India Experience," and the beginning of a plan to bring similar lounges to other airports as well.

The statement mentioned that Air India returned to the Tata Group in 2022 after 70 years under government control, and is inside a five-year plan called Vihaan.AI. Among the points mentioned: order by 570 new aircraft, corporate mergers/integrations completed in 2024, the largest aviation training academy in South Asia, a flying school planned for 2026, and a new "greenfield" maintenance base also indicated for 2026, in addition to refit of existing aircraft.

In conclusion

Air India's (and Delhi's) ambitions are very high, of course there is still a very long way to go, but above all, the main problem remains that of personnel; there is no point in having a Ferrari if the flight attendants, ground staff and the rest of the company continue to have a pressapochistic DNA, however, it must be said that they are trying.

And, looking a bit further ahead, when ITA Airways is inside Star Alliance, the existence of such a space - Also open to eligible Star Alliance members starting February 16, 2026 - is exactly the kind of building block that can make transit more meaningful (and more enjoyable) for those flying from Italy to Asia and beyond.