Air India’s flagship Maharaja Lounge at Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, has been honoured with the prestigious Gold award for "Airport Lounge Opening of the Year" at the FAB 2026 Awards, held in Bengaluru recently. Organised annually by The Moodie Davitt Report, the FAB Awards are among the most prestigious global recognitions for airport food, beverage, lounge and hospitality excellence.
A tribute to our teams
The "Airport Lounge Opening of the Year" category brought together some of the most innovative and luxurious airport spaces launched across major aviation hubs worldwide. The Maharaja Lounge emerged victorious from an exceptional roster of international nominees, underscoring the world-class architecture, dining, and service standards delivered at Air India's flagship lounge.
This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion of the many Air India employees and partners who brought the Maharaja Lounge to life and who continue, every day, to create memorable experiences for our guests. Their unwavering commitment reflects Air India's broader transformation journey and our focus on delivering a seamless, premium experience across every stage of travel.
Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, Air India, said, "Receiving this global recognition for the Maharaja Lounge is a proud milestone for Air India. We sincerely thank our customers for their trust and loyalty, and our teams and partners whose commitment has helped bring this vision to life. As we continue our transformation journey, we remain focused on delivering world-class experiences that showcase the very best of Indian hospitality in aviation industry."
The design philosophy that stood out
The Maharaja Lounge has been designed around a philosophy of thoughtful zoning, creating distinct spaces that cater to the diverse needs and moods of modern travellers. Spanning 16,000 sq. ft., the lounge seamlessly blends heritage-inspired warmth with contemporary elegance, offering guests the flexibility to work, dine, relax or unwind in dedicated environments tailored to their journey.
The lounge accommodates premium guests across an expansive Business section and an exclusive First Class section. Conceptualised by globally renowned design studio Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the space features carefully curated furnishings, circadian lighting intended to support travellers’ well-being, a design language aligned with Air India's refreshed brand identity, and thoughtfully selected artworks that celebrate India's rich culture and heritage.
Among its standout spaces are The Aviators' Bar, The Globetrotter's Study, the Serenity Area, the Crystal Bar in the First Class section and the Sleep Suites. Together, these distinct zones offer a range of experiences, from quiet relaxation and focused work to social interaction and elevated dining, creating an atmosphere of comfort, exclusivity and world-class hospitality.
A landmark milestone in the Vihaan.AI journey
This global recognition marks a key milestone in Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive five-year transformation programme aimed at building a world-class global airline with Indian warmth. The award-winning lounge in Delhi is part of Air India's broader strategy to provide an elevated experience to guests both in the air and on the ground. Alongside fleet modernisation including the introduction of new Airbus A350s, new line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, retrofitted narrowbody and widebody aircraft, a refreshed food and beverage portfolio, the airline is committed to reimagining every customer touchpoint, setting new benchmarks in hospitality, and delivering a seamless, premium travel experience that reflects the aspirations of a transformed Air India.
