Air India Joins Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance to Revolutionize Premium Lounges Across Asia: A Luxurious, Game-Changing Experience You Won’t Believe!

Published on November 16, 2025

Air India joins forces with Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance in a groundbreaking move to revolutionize premium lounges across Asia. This upgradations promise to deliver a luxurious and game-changing experience for travelers, setting a new standard in airport services. With global competition growing, Air India, inspired by top industry players like Singapore Airlines and Star Alliance, is raising the bar for what passengers can expect in premium airport lounges. The upcoming changes are more than just aesthetic upgrades—they represent a shift toward creating exclusive, comfortable, and high-end environments for premium flyers.

This race marks a new chapter in aviation, one where lounge experiences will transform the way travelers relax, dine, and prepare for their flights. Asia’s premium lounge scene will never be the same again, offering a level of comfort and luxury you won’t believe!

The Race to Create Luxury Lounge Experiences in Asia

Airlines across Asia have long recognised the importance of their premium lounges. Once considered mere waiting areas for high-end passengers, these spaces have now evolved into essential components of the overall travel experience. The demand for a first-class experience on the ground is driving a competition among Asian carriers, with some airlines investing millions to elevate the quality of their lounge offerings.

Take Singapore Airlines (SIA), for example. On November 7, 2025, SIA unveiled its brand-new First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi Airport, Singapore. This isn’t just an ordinary lounge. It’s a 1,050 square-metre space, offering luxury in every corner. With floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light flooding the area, and spaces designed for rest, dining, and work, SIA is setting new standards in the industry. The lounge also includes a bar that serves specialty cocktails and a dining area with live cooking stations. SIA has clearly invested around S$45 million in making this lounge a world-class experience, cementing its reputation as a leader in customer service.

This luxurious lounge caters to Singapore Airlines’ First and Suites Class passengers, as well as top-tier members of the airline’s frequent flyer program. With access granted to First Class passengers of Star Alliance airlines, the lounge becomes a hub for those who expect nothing less than the best. As one of the top hubs in the world, Changi Airport’s new SilverKris lounge is a statement of Singapore Airlines’ ambition to stay ahead of the competition in Asia’s booming premium travel market.

Star Alliance Sets the Standard in Asia with Guangzhou Lounge

Not to be outdone, Star Alliance has joined the race with a monumental move of its own. In November 2024, the airline group opened its first branded lounge in Asia at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China. This lounge is a true game-changer, spanning 750 square metres and offering exclusive access to First and Business Class passengers from Star Alliance member airlines, as well as Star Alliance Gold members.

What sets this lounge apart is its emphasis on design and service. Featuring a VIP room, dedicated bar, and generous natural lighting, the space focuses on comfort and luxury. Guests can enjoy views of the runway, which only adds to the allure of the lounge. Moreover, the design of the lounge has strong local influences, reflecting the culture of the Pearl River Delta region. For example, guests can enjoy a curated selection of local teas as part of the lounge’s beverage offerings.

Star Alliance’s lounge in Guangzhou sets a precedent for future lounges in the region, highlighting the group’s commitment to delivering an experience that matches the high expectations of premium travelers. The facility serves as a blueprint for similar lounges to open across Asia, with plans already in motion for other locations worldwide. The opening of the Guangzhou lounge signifies the growing demand for high-quality lounges in China, one of the most important aviation markets in the world.

Plaza Premium Group Expands Premium Lounge Options Across Asia

While many of the major airlines are investing in their own lounges, third-party operators are also stepping up to provide premium services. The Plaza Premium Group (PPG) is a key player in this space, opening multiple premium lounges across Asia in the last few years. Notably, in 2024, PPG completed the expansion of its lounge and dining offerings in southwestern China, particularly at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

What makes Plaza Premium Group’s lounges stand out is their focus on blending lounge experiences with dining. For example, at Chongqing T3A, the 185 square-metre lounge features a new concept that integrates a ramen bar into the lounge space. This integration allows passengers to enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines while relaxing before their flights. The Macau International Airport also saw the opening of Plaza Premium First, a premium lounge offering an array of luxury services, including private rest areas and fine dining.

The rise of third-party operators like Plaza Premium Group indicates a wider trend in the aviation industry. With more passengers looking for a premium lounge experience, airlines are now facing competition from independent operators who are focused purely on creating luxurious waiting environments. For Indian airports, this shift signifies that the lounge market is growing rapidly and that the bar for service excellence has been raised.

How Air India Is Revolutionising Lounges with New Delhi Launch

Air India, under the Tata Group, is also playing catch-up in this fast-growing lounge revolution. The airline, which has long been focused on upgrading its fleet, is now shifting its attention to enhancing the passenger experience on the ground. As part of this transformation, Air India is preparing to launch its first premium lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in New Delhi.

This lounge, located at Terminal 3, will mark the first step in a phased redevelopment of Air India’s customer experience. It will be a luxurious space designed to offer the comfort and service that premium flyers expect. The upcoming Delhi lounge will feature modern furnishings, warm ambient lighting, and décor inspired by Indian culture. It will also serve as a template for future lounges at other major Indian airports, such as Mumbai and Bengaluru.

The premium lounges at Air India airports will provide high-end amenities and services, with a particular focus on elevating the brand’s reputation as a global airline. By offering luxurious features similar to those seen in the lounges of other Asian airlines, Air India is positioning itself to compete more effectively on international routes. This launch is particularly significant given Air India’s plans to expand its global presence in the coming years.

The Importance of Premium Lounges for Airlines in Asia

The role of premium lounges has evolved beyond simply providing a place to relax before a flight. They have now become a key part of an airline’s brand image. Premium lounges are seen as an extension of the overall customer experience, providing an environment that reflects the quality and luxury that passengers can expect throughout their journey. Airlines understand that travelers value high-quality lounges, especially those flying in First or Business Class, and this has prompted them to invest significantly in enhancing these spaces.

The competition among Asian airlines to create the best premium lounge experience is also a direct response to the growing demand for premium services in the region. As air travel continues to rise in Asia, particularly in markets like China and India, airlines are racing to provide the kind of amenities and services that will attract high-paying customers. This demand is expected to increase even further as the region continues to develop into one of the most important aviation markets globally.

What This Means for the Future of Air Travel in Asia

The rising quality and availability of premium lounges across Asia are changing the face of air travel. These lounges are no longer just waiting areas for passengers; they are an integral part of the travel experience. As airlines like Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance, and Air India raise the bar for lounge design and service, passengers can expect even higher standards in the future.

Asian airports are also positioning themselves as global hubs for luxury travel, with premium lounges serving as key points of differentiation. In particular, lounges that offer local cultural experiences, luxury dining options, and state-of-the-art facilities are setting the standard for the industry.

For travelers, this means a better overall experience when flying with top airlines. Whether it’s enjoying a signature cocktail in a beautifully designed lounge at Changi Airport, sampling local delicacies in Guangzhou, or relaxing in the serene environment of Air India’s new Delhi lounge, passengers can look forward to a more luxurious and comfortable travel experience in the years ahead.

Conclusion: A New Era of Premium Lounges in Asia

The future of premium lounges in Asia is one of innovation, luxury, and convenience. Airlines and third-party lounge operators are investing heavily in creating environments that cater to the needs of high-end travelers. With new lounges opening across the region, passengers are increasingly able to enjoy exceptional comfort and world-class service before they even step onto their flights.

The competition among airlines to provide the best lounge experience is only going to intensify. As Singapore Airlines, Star Alliance, Air India, and Plaza Premium Group continue to set new standards in lounge design and service, the premium lounge experience in Asia will only continue to evolve. For travelers, this is exciting news, as it means that the future of air travel will be more comfortable, enjoyable, and luxurious than ever before.

Source: Aviation A2z