Air India is building a new premium lounge at San Francisco International Airport, with construction confirmed as of early August 2025. This new lounge, located on the fourth floor between the China Airlines and Golden Gate lounges, will be Air India’s second lounge in the United States after the well-known Maharaja Lounge at New York JFK. The opening is expected later in 2025, although Air India has not yet announced an exact date.
The new lounge at San Francisco International Airport is designed to serve Air India’s growing number of flights to the U.S. West Coast. Air India now operates up to 17 weekly flights to San Francisco from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This makes Air India one of the busiest international airlines at the airport. The lounge will offer premium amenities, including gourmet food, top-quality drinks, and shower facilities. These features aim to match or even exceed what other international airlines provide at San Francisco International Airport.
Access to the new lounge will be available to Air India’s premium cabin passengers, such as those flying in Business or First Class, as well as eligible Star Alliance travelers. There is also a possibility that Priority Pass members may be allowed access, depending on demand and commercial agreements. However, these details will be confirmed closer to the lounge’s opening.
Air India’s investment in the new San Francisco lounge is part of a larger plan to upgrade its global services. The airline is also refurbishing its lounges in Delhi and at JFK in New York, with both expected to reopen in 2025. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these upgrades are part of Air India’s efforts to attract more premium and corporate travelers, especially as the airline introduces new Airbus A350 aircraft and refreshes its brand.
Looking ahead, Air India is considering London Heathrow as the next major location for a new lounge. While there has not been a formal announcement, industry sources and Air India’s own communications suggest that Heathrow is a top candidate. This reflects the importance of the UK-India travel corridor, which sees high demand from both business and leisure travelers.
Other major airports are also making improvements. In the United Kingdom 🇬🇧, Heathrow and other airports are investing in better infrastructure and passenger experiences. These upgrades are partly in response to increased travel from India 🇮🇳 and China 🇨🇳. In China 🇨🇳, major airports are expanding lounge options and terminal space to handle more international travelers, including those flying with Indian carriers and Star Alliance partners. In India 🇮🇳, airports like Delhi and Mumbai are undergoing terminal expansions and lounge upgrades to support more international flights and premium passengers.
For travelers, these changes mean better comfort, more amenities, and easier connections at important airports. For Air India, the new lounge at San Francisco International Airport is expected to help the airline compete with other international carriers, attract more business travelers, and strengthen its partnership with Star Alliance. The lounge could also become a profit center by offering access to travelers from other Star Alliance airlines and select lounge programs, depending on future agreements.
Passengers who want to use the new lounge will need to meet certain requirements. Air India premium cabin passengers—those flying in Business or First Class—and Star Alliance Gold members will have access once the lounge opens. Passengers can also upgrade to premium cabins at check-in through Air India’s “Get Up Front” program. This program allows travelers to pay for an upgrade to Business or First Class, which includes lounge access if space is available. The rules for Priority Pass and other third-party lounge programs will be decided closer to the opening date, based on demand and commercial arrangements.
Key stakeholders in this project include Air India, San Francisco International Airport, and Star Alliance. For official updates and lounge access policies, travelers should visit Air India’s website. For details about the terminal and lounge location, the San Francisco International Airport website provides useful information. Star Alliance’s website also explains lounge access rules for its member airlines.
Aviation experts say that Air India’s lounge expansion is a smart move to keep up with other international airlines at major airports. The airline’s rapid growth in North America and Europe means it needs to offer a better ground experience for its passengers. Industry observers expect the new lounge at San Francisco International Airport to set a new standard for Air India’s international lounges. This could influence the design and service of future lounges in other locations.
The new lounge at San Francisco International Airport is expected to open in late 2025. Air India will announce more details about the lounge’s features, access policies, and commercial partnerships in the coming months. The airline’s focus on building a new lounge at Heathrow is likely to be confirmed by early 2026, in line with broader upgrades at UK airports. Continued investments in India 🇮🇳, China 🇨🇳, and other global hubs are expected as Air India works to become a leading international airline.
For premium passengers, these upgrades mean a more comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. They can expect better food, drinks, and places to relax or work before their flights. For Air India, these investments are meant to attract more high-paying customers, especially those traveling for business. The airline also hopes to build stronger partnerships with other Star Alliance members by offering a top-quality lounge experience.
If you are planning to travel with Air India through San Francisco International Airport, it is a good idea to check the airline’s official website for the latest updates on the lounge opening and access rules. You can also find information about the airport’s lounges and facilities on the official San Francisco International Airport website at www.flysfo.com.
In summary, Air India’s new lounge at San Francisco International Airport marks an important step in the airline’s global upgrade strategy. The project shows Air India’s commitment to improving its services for premium passengers and competing with other top international airlines. With more upgrades planned at key airports in the United States 🇺🇸, United Kingdom 🇬🇧, China 🇨🇳, and India 🇮🇳, travelers can look forward to a better experience when flying with Air India in the years ahead. For the most current updates, keep an eye on Air India’s official announcements and the San Francisco International Airport’s lounge information page.
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