Air India has been transitioning on many fronts, including the lounge situation. The airline has provisioned lounges or equivalent across all the stations from where it operates, which was not a situation the airline was in pre-privatisation. Now, the airline is investing a good amount of money in redoing its lounges at Delhi and New York JFK with the assistance of HBA Associates and is also planning a new lounge in San Francisco. Air India announced in April this year that it will make Bengaluru Airport its hub in south India. They also announced opening a new lounge in Bengaluru on the domestic side of Terminal 2, where Air India and Vistara operate. Here is what you need to know about the Air India Bangalore Lounge.

I’ve been to the lounge several times since June 2024, when I had multiple trips to Bengaluru. One time, I was flying on Air Vistara, and I was told I could not access the Air India Lounge. This was in June 2024 and has stayed the same since then. But every time after, I’ve been booked on Air India, and as a Gold Tier customer, I’ve been invited to use the lounge.

Air India Lounge, Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 (Domestic)

Old timers would remember that Bengaluru Terminal 2 launched a paid lounge named Qila in February 2024. It was available as a buy-up from the “regular” 080 Lounge Access or on a stand-alone basis. However, then Air India’s hub came along, and BLR Airport Management handed this lounge over to Air India. Now, it stands as the Air India Lounge.

Air India provides a lounge access pass during check-in/baggage drop so eligible customers can access the lounge. This pass still has the Qila branding.

But, if you are transiting, have a digital boarding pass, or don’t end up heading to the check-in desk, don’t worry. Air India sends a list of eligible passengers to the lounge reception, and if your name is on the list, they will let you in as well, without having the lounge ticket. If none of these methods work, they may call someone at Air India to confirm your eligibility.

The lounge exists on the right side as you head up to the 080 Lounge on the Domestic Pier of Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2.

When you arrive at the elevator/stairs, you head to the rightmost reception desk with an Air India flag on top. The left and centre desks process credit cards and other airline customers, who head to the main 080 Lounge. Once you are validated, you will be able to access the lounge.

The lounge is accessible to all Air India Business Class, Platinum, and Gold members of Flying Returns and Star Alliance Gold Tier customers from other airlines flying Air India. In the future, Club Vistara Platinum and Gold and Business Class customers will also have access, but the date is unknown.

As you enter, you will note the three sections in the lounge. The most extensive section is a “lounge” area on the left.

This part is lined with couches of myriad sizes and has a very interesting chandelier running through the roof.

Along one wall are some very interesting paintings that give the place the feel of a real Indian fort from the past.

There is also an artwork of a fort, along with a description of the Qila placed on one of the walls.

Adjacent to the lounging area, there is the bar and restaurant area. The bar has an exquisite collection of top-shelf liquor. However, it is not included in the lounge access but is available on your tab.

The restaurant area is comfortable and has many two-seaters for dining.

There is also a corner of the lounge which overlooks the runway. There are a bunch of solo loungers overlooking the runway and the greens.

There are some great views of aircraft movement on the south runway if you are an Avgeek.

Or, if you just like to keep an eye on your aircraft’s arrival, this was my cue to head to the gate.

There are two bathrooms, both unisex. One even has a shower fitted in. An attendant is stationed right outside, always keeping them in top shape.

I’ve been to this lounge only in the evenings, and in the few months it has been around, it has not been crowded. The most I’ve seen here is 8-10 people in one go. However, I wonder what the crowding levels will be when the Vistara elites get access.

Air India Lounge, Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2 (Domestic) Hospitality and Dining

The erstwhile Qila Lounge, now the Air India Lounge Bengaluru, was conceptualised as a luxurious outing for those waiting to catch their flight from Terminal 2. Hence, the focus is on a la carte meals rather than a buffet. However, for those interested or just in a rush, there is a small corner with some things to graze upon before you go. Offerings include breadsticks, sandwiches, soups, desserts, and so on.

In terms of the a-la-carte dining on offer, the team comes around almost immediately to offer you something to eat. Bengaluru Airport has engaged Chef Abhijit Saha (of Caperberry and Fava fame) and TV Chef Ranveer Brar to curate meals across their lounges, including this one.

Many options are available for lunch, dinner or an in-between meal.

The meals are all top-quality and usually arrive 15-20 minutes after you order. One time, I tried the Thai Noodle Soup.

Another time, I tried out the Donne Chicken Biryani.

A third time, I again turned up at an in-between time, so I ordered off the Kid’s menu and asked them to bring one slider and the fries.

In terms of drinks, I’ve never had one here, except for the soft drinks. They have some great coffee, which is all I can say now.

The breakfast menu includes fixed menus, various egg preparations, dosas, idlis, benne dosas, parantha, upma and so on as options.

Overall, this is a great lounge to catch a drink, make phone calls, or rest before your flight. Air India did some good thinking, taking over this lounge and making it their own. The new Air India Lounge at Bengaluru Terminal 2 Domestic combines the execution of Bengaluru Airport Services Limited (which operates the 080 Lounge) with Air India’s network. At the moment, it might be the best lounge in the Air India network.

Bottomline

The Air India Lounge (Domestic) at Bengaluru Terminal 2 is a great lounge lounge with the Air India nameplate operated by 080 Lounge. It can be accessed by Business/First Class passengers of Air India, Star Alliance, and Air India Gold/Platinum members. Unlike the adjacent 080 Lounge, it offers a-la-carte dining and no crowds. Currently, it is the only airline lounge at Bengaluru Airport.

Have you been to the Air India Lounge at Bengaluru Airport Terminal 2? What has been your experience here?

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Pros

+ Small and Quiet
+ Brand New
+ A La Carte Dining
+ Exclusive for Air India passengers

Cons

- Not enough power/charging ports

Rating