We were first to discover Air India’s plans for a lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), stumbling onto the space back in August 2025 — well before its public announcement.
Now, the long wait is over. Air India’s new Maharaja Lounge at SFO will welcome guests starting May 23, 2026.
Here’s a look at the space and how it fits into the lounge landscape at SFO.
Air India’s San Francisco Airport Maharaja Lounge
Air India has a larger presence in the U.S. than you might have thought. With nonstop flights from 4 Indian cities currently scheduled, nowhere is that more true than at San Francisco (SFO). And the airline indicated a few years ago that a lounge would come to SFO at some point, but there weren’t many updates along the way.
The lounge was built on the fourth floor between the China Airlines and Golden Gate lounges. This is Air India’s second lounge in the U.S., joining the Maharaja Lounge at New York’s JFK.
Now that Air India has confirmed the lounge’s opening date for May 23, it has also shared details of what guests will find inside.
Amenities include a speakeasy-style bar, tarmac views, communal areas, a hot and cold buffet, beverage stations, a dining area, and the Private Zone, available to first class guests.
Air India flies from San Francisco to Delhi (DEL), Kolkata (CCU), and Seoul (ICN) with onward service to Delhi. It also has plans to fly to additional cities.
Once services to Bengaluru and Mumbai start in September, Air India will have close to the same number of weekly flights as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Virgin Atlantic, each with its own lounge at SFO. China Airlines also has its own lounge, even though it operates just 1 daily flight from SFO to Taipei (TPE)
If there’s enough demand for Cathay, Virgin, and even China Airlines to have their lounges, it will surely work for Air India.
The lounge expansion comes as the Indian flag carrier is undergoing a brand and customer experience refresh with the launch of its Airbus A350.
Final Thoughts
Air India’s second U.S. lounge is ready to open in San Francisco. It’s located near gate A1 in the international flights area and covers more than 3,300 square feet. It’s not enormous, but it has a nice look and should provide a comfortable space for guests before departure.