Air India is reportedly exploring the possibility of opening a lounge at London Heathrow Airport. This comes as part of the airline’s lounge refurbishment plans, which also include the renovation of their lounges at Delhi and New York’s JFK airports. Recently, Air India appointed Hirsch Bedner Associates, the designers behind Singapore Airlines’ lounges, to refurbish their lounges in Delhi and New York.
The proposed lounge at London Heathrow will be a significant addition to Air India’s lounge portfolio, as it will cater to passengers traveling from both Delhi and Mumbai, which have multiple daily flights to Heathrow. The airline is currently in discussions with the airport management to secure a “large space” for the lounge, which is expected to be located in the T2B satellite, where United, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada currently have lounges.
The proposed lounge is seen as a strategic move to increase Air India’s visibility at Heathrow, which is a major hub for business travelers. Airport lounges are a key marketing channel for airlines, allowing them to showcase their brand and offerings to passengers. By opening a lounge at Heathrow, Air India aims to increase its presence in the premium travel market and attract high-yield corporate travelers.
Additionally, the lounge could operate as a profit center by offering its facilities to other Star Alliance carriers and airlines, as well as to Priority Pass members. The location of the lounge is likely to be a busy hub, with multiple flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Heathrow, making it an attractive spot for passengers looking for a premium travel experience.
Overall, the proposed Air India lounge at London Heathrow is seen as a strategic move to increase the airline’s visibility and presence in the premium travel market, and to cater to the growing demand for lounge facilities at this major airport.