Air India expands its Maharaja charm in North America with San Francisco lounge debut

Air India on Friday announced the opening of its new “Maharaja Lounge” at San Francisco International Airport, marking the carrier’s latest attempt to rebuild its premium image on international routes, particularly in North America — one of its most important overseas markets.

Located near Gate A1 in the airport’s International Terminal, the 3,300 sq ft lounge officially opens on May 23 and will cater to Air India’s first and business class passengers, along with select frequent flyers enrolled in its Maharaja Club loyalty programme.

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The move comes as the airline races to modernise everything from aircraft cabins and onboard service to branding and airport infrastructure, in an effort to compete more aggressively with Gulf carriers and global full-service airlines that dominate premium long-haul travel.


Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson said the San Francisco facility follows the recent launch of the airline’s flagship lounge in Delhi and signals the beginning of a broader global lounge strategy.

“North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region,” Wilson said in a statement.

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The San Francisco lounge has been designed by hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates and leans heavily into Indian-inspired interiors — from deep red and champagne tones to decorative motifs drawn from Air India’s branding. The airline said some art installations inside the lounge have been created using repurposed aircraft components.

The lounge can accommodate up to 80 guests.

Among the more eye-catching additions is an aviation-themed cocktail bar called “The Aviator’s Bar”, which serves signature drinks including a “Maharaja Manhattan” infused with black pepper. Other sections include a dining area with Indian and international food options, tarmac-facing seating zones for aircraft views, and a private section reserved for first-class passengers.