First look at Air India’s Maharaja lounge at T3, Delhi Indira Gandhi airport — see pics, eligibility and other details

Indian full-cost carrier Air India is preparing to reopen its premium Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal 3 (T3) for international passengers in New Delhi, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson confirmed.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference on November 24, Wilson said it was part of the Tata-run airlines’ revamped lounge network spread across Bengaluru, Delhi, New York and San Francisco.

“All of our efforts are appreciated by our customers, and this is reflected in our Net Promoter Score, which reached an all-time high of 37 in September 2025,” Wilson said. Airlines Net Promoter Score is a survey of nearly 2,00,000 passengers about their flying experience with Air India.

When will Air India’s Delhi Maharaja Lounge reopen?

While Air India did not give Mint a date other than “soon” when asked about the launch schedule, ANI reported that the new T3 Maharaja Lounge in Delhi will be unveiled in December 2025.

Meanwhile, Air India said that a new domestic lounge will also open in Delhi’s Terminal 3 in the second half of 2026.

Air India undertakes fleet modernization and menu upgrade

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Wilson said 2026 will mark the most significant shift in customer experience as the airline completes major upgrades to its fleet and begins introducing new wide-body aircraft into service.

The carrier will take delivery of six wide-body aircraft, a mix of Boeing B787-9 and Airbus A350-1000, in 2026, as well as a retrofit B787-8 aircraft planned to join the fleet next year. Before this, Air India will take delivery of the first B787-9 aircraft suitable for the series by the end of 2025.

These aircraft are expected to return to service in February 2026, followed by two to three wide-body aircraft renewed each month. According to Wilson, by the end of 2026, around 67% of Air India’s B787 fleet will have new interiors and the entire fleet refresh set will be completed by mid-2027.

Additionally, Wilson said Air India is looking to improve its service with a new food and beverage menu across the network. The rollout has already started on international flights and the domestic menu is expected to be updated by January 2026.