Air India will open its first signature Maharaja Lounge outside India at San Francisco International Airport on May 23, placing a new premium space near the A Gates in the International Terminal—complete with Indian-inspired design, an Aviator’s Bar, and a fir
On May 23, San Francisco International Airport gets a new premium stop for travelers heading to India. Air India is opening its first signature Maharaja Lounge outside India—officially turning a corner of SFO’s International Terminal into what the airline positions as a more immersive “gateway to India” before passengers board.
The lounge sits post-security near the A Gates in SFO’s International Terminal. It spans roughly 3. 300 square feet and is designed by hospitality firm Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA). mixing contemporary luxury with design elements inspired by Indian culture and crafts. The space carries warm champagne tones, ivory-hued accents, and deep red accent furniture reflecting Air India’s refreshed branding. Subtle motifs referencing the airline’s “Vista” logo appear throughout the walls and furniture.
From the airport’s flow perspective. the directions are straightforward: after clearing security. travelers should turn left. walk past the Air France lounge. then take the escalators up one level. At the top, signage guides guests toward Air India’s lounge. A short walk with a couple of right turns brings guests directly to the entrance on the right-hand side.
The lounge is expected to operate daily from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., though hours may vary based on flight schedules.
Design meant to feel like a stopover, not a waiting room
Air India’s update isn’t only about furniture and lighting. Several art installations near the dining area are sourced from India. including one piece created with pigments derived from Indian spices and botanicals rather than traditional paint. According to the airline. the artwork incorporates colors derived from ingredients such as turmeric. roses. and cinnamon—an echo of the lounge’s culinary focus.
Even smaller details aim to pull passengers into the theme: branded glassware and tableware featuring Maharaja motifs. plus large windows and abundant natural light that make the lounge feel open and relaxing. Comfortable seating and plentiful power outlets are built for long-haul prep—until. at times. you catch the reality of where you are. with aircraft taxiing past the tarmac-facing windows.
For travelers who want something a bit more secluded, the Maharaja Lounge has a major focal point: the Aviator’s Bar. It’s a speakeasy-inspired cocktail space that’s distinct from the main dining and buffet area, creating separate zones for dining, socializing, and relaxing.
The Aviator’s Bar is also designed to reflect Air India’s history. The bar stools are inspired by seating used on some of the airline’s earliest aircraft dating back to the 1930s. incorporating similar stitching patterns. materials. and color palettes. The ceiling installation includes aviation references. with lighting elements modeled after propeller shafts of early planes. intended to evoke the motion and energy of flight before the jet age. The bar walls function as a historical canvas. featuring archival imagery. vintage postcards. aircraft drawings. and model aircraft that trace Air India’s evolution over time.
A curated drinks menu rounds it out, offering a selection of wines and whiskies alongside signature cocktails. Among them are the Maharaja Manhattan—a twist on the classic cocktail featuring black pepper—and the Limitless, a gin-based drink infused with rose, hibiscus, and saffron.
During a visit ahead of the official opening. guests were able to sample drinks such as the Mixed Emotions mocktail. made with cranberry juice. passion fruit. lime juice. simple syrup. and soda water. finished with fresh mint. Another option featured was the Maharaja Mule, an Indian-inspired take on the Moscow Mule blending lime, muddled mint, and ginger.
Food that rotates for regular flyers
The Maharaja Lounge includes both Indian and international dining options, with a self-serve buffet. Menus will rotate on a recurring cycle that varies by mealtime, designed to keep the experience interesting for passengers who regularly fly between San Francisco and India.
On the buffet during the preview visit. Indian dishes took center stage. including dal Bukhara. chicken tikka masala. vegetable biryani. paneer moringa. and beet-and-fig sham savera kofta—alongside grilled salmon and vegetables. A cold spread featured fresh fruit, crackers, cheeses, and house specialty dips including tikka achari and mango habanero.
Smaller bites included fish croquettes, paneer tossed in Szechuan sauce, and a modernized take on gajar ka halwa—an established North Indian carrot dessert slow-cooked with butter, milk, and nuts—served in a tart-like bite-sized presentation.
Most items were described as mild-to-moderate in heat, with additional accompaniments available for travelers who want more spice. A self-serve beverage station offers juices, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, while the Aviator’s Bar handles cocktails, wine, and spirits separately from the buffet area.
Air India’s first-class corner stays small by design
The lounge also includes a dedicated Private Zone reserved exclusively for Air India first-class passengers. It accommodates just eight guests at a time, offering a noticeably more serene and elevated experience compared to the main lounge, which seats roughly 75 travelers.
First-class passengers also have access to an a la carte dining menu and a reserved selection of cognac and whiskey, adding a more personalized experience beyond the buffet.
Practical touches—and one notable absence
For day-to-day convenience, the Maharaja Lounge includes fast and free Wi-Fi and ample charging points. AC outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports are available across seating areas, and accessible facilities are available throughout the space.
One omission stands out for long-haul travelers used to showers in premium lounges: the lounge does not have showers.
Even without them, the layout—powered by design, natural light, and a calm atmosphere—aims to make the preflight stretch feel polished rather than crowded, despite its relatively compact footprint.
Who can get in
Access to Air India’s Maharaja Lounge at SFO is available to Air India First Class passengers. Air India Business Class passengers. eligible Star Alliance premium passengers. and Maharaja Club Gold and Platinum members traveling on eligible flights. The Private Zone is reserved exclusively for first-class passengers.
By the time doors open on May 23. Air India’s bet at SFO will be clear: rather than chasing scale or flash. the airline is building a coherent premium experience around Indian heritage—design. food. and cocktail program all tied together. For travelers flying Air India’s long-haul routes to India. it’s a fresh upgrade to the preflight routine in San Francisco.
Air India Maharaja Lounge SFO San Francisco International Airport Hirsch Bedner Associates Aviator's Bar Star Alliance premium Maharaja Club Gold Maharaja Club Platinum lounge access first class
Cool, more lounges at SFO I guess.
So it’s basically a fancy Indian-themed waiting room right? Wish they’d do this for everyone though, not just Air India people. Also $ to get in probably gonna be wild.
Wait, “gateway to India” like it teleports you there or something? I read “A Gates” and thought it was some kind of new immigration station. Probably not but I’m confused lol. The Aviator’s Bar sounds nice either way.
3,300 square feet doesn’t sound that big? But if it’s near the A Gates then it must be like right next to the chaos. I saw “Hirsch Bedner Associates” and thought that was like a restaurant brand, not interior design. Still, warm champagne tones and deep red furniture… that’s definitely gonna look Instagrammable. Hope they have actual Indian food and not just “inspired” stuff.