Air India’s Maharaja Lounge honoured with gold for ‘airport lounge opening of the year’ at FAB 2026 awards

Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, has just achieved a landmark recognition: it won Gold for “Airport Lounge Opening of the Year” at the FAB 2026 Awards in Bengaluru.

Why this award matters
- The FAB Awards, organized annually by The Moodie Davitt Report, are among the most prestigious global honors for airport food, beverage, lounge, and hospitality excellence.
- Air India’s win places its flagship lounge alongside the most innovative and luxurious airport spaces worldwide.

What makes the Maharaja Lounge special
- Size & Design: Spanning 16,000 sq. ft., conceptualized by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), blending heritage-inspired warmth with modern elegance.
- Distinct Zones: The Aviators’ Bar, Globetrotter’s Study, Serenity Area, Crystal Bar (First Class), and Sleep Suites — each tailored for relaxation, work, dining, or socializing.
- Premium Sections: Separate Business and First Class areas with curated furnishings, circadian lighting, and artworks celebrating Indian culture.
- Philosophy: Thoughtful zoning to meet diverse traveler needs, aligned with Air India’s refreshed brand identity.

Part of Air India’s transformation
This milestone is a key achievement in Vihaan.AI, Air India’s five-year transformation program. Alongside fleet modernization (new Airbus A350s, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and retrofitted aircraft), refreshed F&B offerings, and upgraded service touchpoints, the lounge exemplifies the airline’s ambition to deliver world-class hospitality with Indian warmth.

Rajesh Dogra, Chief Customer Experience Officer, summed it up:
> “Receiving this global recognition for the Maharaja Lounge is a proud milestone for Air India… we remain focused on delivering world-class experiences that showcase the very best of Indian hospitality.”