DELHI- Tata Group-owned Air India (AI) is building a dedicated lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), marking its second in the U.S. after New York JFK. The space, located in the international terminal, is currently under construction.
The airline, which operates nonstop flights from Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bengaluru (BLR), and Kolkata (CCU) to SFO, is expanding its U.S. presence as part of a wider push to modernize its services.
Photo: TakeoffwithGuruAir India Building New SFO Lounge
Air India’s decision to build a lounge at SFO reflects growing traffic between India and the U.S. West Coast.
The airline’s footprint at San Francisco has steadily increased, with upcoming additions from Bengaluru and Mumbai bringing its total weekly departures close to that of British Airways (BA), Cathay Pacific (CX), and Virgin Atlantic (VS)—all of whom already operate their own lounges at the airport.
The new lounge is being constructed on the fourth floor of SFO’s international terminal, between the China Airlines (CI) and Golden Gate lounges. Signage on-site and a blank spot on the digital lounge directory confirm what frequent travelers have speculated for months, flagged UpgradedPoints.
Once completed, this will be Air India’s second branded lounge in the U.S., after the Maharaja Lounge at JFK Terminal 4. The addition places Air India alongside other global carriers that have invested in premium spaces for long-haul passengers.
Photo: EurospotSupporting Fleet and Route Growth
Air India’s operations at SFO include:
- Delhi (DEL): Daily, year-round
- Kolkata (CCU): Daily until August
- Bengaluru (BLR): Starts September, 3x weekly
- Mumbai (BOM): Starts September, 4x weekly
This increase in frequency and city pairings aligns with Air India’s strategy to position itself as a strong transcontinental player.
With the arrival of the Airbus A350 and a renewed focus on service, the airline’s lounge development signals a broader commitment to customer experience.
SFO has proven to be a key North American gateway for Air India. The addition of a dedicated lounge gives the carrier a more competitive footing with regional rivals and enhances the pre-departure experience for premium and frequent flyer passengers.
Photo: GMR Delhi International AirportLounge Upgrades at Delhi and JFK
Air India’s broader lounge strategy doesn’t stop at San Francisco. In 2023, the airline confirmed renovation plans for two major hubs: New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and New York JFK (JFK).
Both locations, known for their outdated interiors, are being revamped under the guidance of Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), the same design firm known for its work on Singapore Airlines lounges.
The Delhi international lounge is currently closed for refurbishment and is expected to reopen sometime in 2025. JFK’s lounge, although still operating and part of the Priority Pass network, has yet to begin physical renovation.
These upgrades are part of a broader overhaul driven by the Tata Group, which now owns the airline and is pushing a renewed premium service model.
Photo: PixabayLondon Heathrow May Be Next
According to UK-based travel site HeadForPoints, Air India is also in discussions to open a lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
While details remain limited, the carrier is reportedly exploring a large space—possibly in Terminal 2B, where most of its long-haul partners operate. If finalized, this would mark the third international lounge project under the airline’s new ownership and design direction.
A Heathrow lounge would serve a vital role in the carrier’s network, given the significant volume of traffic between India and the UK. It also reinforces the airline’s intention to modernize the ground experience in key international markets.
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