Big Indian Airports To Upgrade Lounge Access By Cutting Out Aggregators

Your airport lounge experience in India may soon see a significant upgrade. Major lounge operators and banks plan to overhaul how lounge access works at large Indian airports.

Currently, credit card holders swipe at a lounge aggregator’s machine to gain entry. Banks pay the aggregator, who in turn pays the lounge operator. But now, top airport lounge providers want to bypass aggregators and work directly with banks.

They are building apps that allow passengers to pre-book lounge access, swipe at the gate, and be seated in areas based on their credit card status. This model is expected to roll out in the coming weeks.

Lounges May See Disruptions as Aggregators Push Back

Some disruption is likely at lounges as airports shift to the direct model. Lounge operators say aggregators have warned of stopping entry during the transition. “We are taking legal steps to prevent that,” said two top lounge providers.

Both banks and lounge operators support the new structure. They believe it will streamline access and improve the travel experience.

Right now, lounge entry often resembles a “langar ki line,” with no separation between holders of premium and free cards. The new model aims to change that.

Banks and Airlines Push for Better Lounge Experience

Banks say lounge access is a major selling point for premium cards, but poor conditions make promotion difficult. Full-service airlines have also raised concerns. Their premium passengers must queue alongside all credit card holders, which affects service quality.

India has 70–75 lounges, and about 80–90% are run by Adani, Encalm (at GMR airports), and Travel Food Services (TFS). Banks pay ₹1,100–1,400 per user at metro airports and ₹600–700 at non-metros. On average, banks spend ₹1,000 per lounge user.

With India’s flyer numbers rising, airports and full-service carriers want to improve lounges. Many flyers now hold credit cards, so lounge access is no longer limited to premium airline passengers.

To ease entry, airports are developing web apps that let users link all their credit cards via OTP. The portal will confirm lounge access availability and allow pre-booking. Flyers can then swipe and walk in. The system, however, will need awareness and habit change.

Lounge operators also plan to divide large lounges into separate zones for premium, business, and first-class passengers. The aim is to deliver a more tailored and premium experience.

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