American Express will close the Centurion Lounge at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 Domestic Departures from July 1, 2026, marking the end of one of the country’s most exclusive credit card lounges.
The closure, which American Express has confirmed to Card Members, comes as Mumbai Airport continues to reorganise its lounge infrastructure. Rather than leaving Platinum Card Members without a premium facility, American Express has simultaneously announced new lounge arrangements that will provide continued access to premium lounges within Terminal 2.
Centurion Lounge closes after serving Premium Card Members
American Express is in the process of informing eligible Card Members that the Centurion Lounge located in the Domestic Departures area of Terminal 2 will cease operations effective July 1, 2026. Customers should start receiving emails shortly.
The lounge, situated opposite Burger King on Level 3 of the domestic departures area, is one of the few branded Centurion Lounges operated by American Express outside North America and was reserved primarily for Platinum and Centurion Cardmembers. It offered an elevated food-and-beverage experience compared to the standard contract lounges at the airport, and over the years, it became a popular stop for frequent flyers departing from Mumbai. The Chaat was my favourite, and I used to have it every time I stopped by at the lounge.
The company has, however, assured customers that lounge access benefits will continue uninterrupted.
Platinum Card Members move to Adani Business Class Lounge
From July 1, 2026, eligible American Express Platinum Card Members travelling through Mumbai Airport will instead receive access to the Adani Business Class Lounge in Terminal 2 Domestic, irrespective of the class of travel booked. This is the same lounge that also hosts a section for Air India Business Class customers.
American Express, in a statement issued to LiveFromALounge.com, said,
“Eligible American Express Card Members travelling through Mumbai Airport will continue to enjoy premium lounge access through new lounge arrangements in Terminal 2, including the Adani Business Class Lounge for Platinum Card Members, regardless of their class of travel.
The arrangement ensures that Platinum Card Members continue to receive lounge access despite the loss of the dedicated Centurion facility.
Airport changes, not an Amex decision
American Express has also addressed what many Cardmembers were likely to ask: why close a lounge that was still operational?
According to the company, the decision is linked to changes within Mumbai Airport’s lounge infrastructure rather than to a strategic decision by American Express to withdraw from operating the lounge. Basically, they were asked to leave the spot by the airport operator.
Responding to our query, the company said:
The closure is taking place in the context of changes to lounge facilities at Mumbai Airport. Our focus has been on ensuring that eligible Card Members continue to enjoy premium lounge experiences through alternative arrangements
That statement aligns with the broader transformation taking place at Mumbai Airport over the past couple of years.
Since Adani Airports assumed control of Mumbai Airport, the airport has steadily consolidated its lounge portfolio under the Adani brand. The former GVK lounges were rebranded, while several legacy third-party lounges have either been renovated, merged or closed altogether as Adani has built a more integrated premium lounge offering across Terminal 2.
What this means for Card Members
The loss of a dedicated Centurion Lounge diminishes some of the exclusivity associated with the American Express brand; however, access to the Adani Business Class Lounge arguably preserves the overall airport experience, given its larger footprint and broader facilities.
The bigger change is symbolic. American Express has spent years expanding its proprietary Centurion Lounge network globally, making it a flagship benefit of its premium cards. With Mumbai’s lounge now closing, India once again loses a dedicated Centurion Lounge presence, even as Platinum Card Members continue to enjoy premium lounge access through partner facilities.
Whether American Express eventually returns with another proprietary lounge at an Indian airport remains to be seen.
Bottomline
American Express will close its Centurion Lounge at Mumbai Airport’s Terminal 2 Domestic Departures from July 1, 2026. Eligible Platinum Card Members will instead receive access to the Adani Business Class Lounge regardless of the class they are flying in. According to American Express, the closure is part of wider changes to Mumbai Airport’s lounge infrastructure rather than a standalone decision by the company.
What do you make of the closure of the Mumbai CSMIA Centurion Lounge by American Express?
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It’s clear that this decision was not of AmEx as they have clearly mentioned that they wanted to be there at Mumbai airport..
Always wondered why would anyone do such a thing – then I saw who owns Mumbai airport and it now makes sense..
It seems the person / group that owns Mumbai airport also wanted airlines to provide compulsory cash deposits for fees—such as landing and parking—instead of the traditional bank guarantees..
Something that the airlines have pushed back firmly on..
This sort of thing never happened with the previous airport operator at Mumbai has it ?
Nor is it happening with DEL and BLR airports is it ?
Clearly the group that owns Mumbai (and Navi Mumbai) airports is very insecure about a brand like AmEx having it’s own lounges
And instead wants to capture the entire lounge footprint for itself..
What a bummer. I used to use the lounge all the time.