Unlocking Comfort at Delhi Airport: A Guide to Airport Lounge Options
Travelling can be a wonderful experience that allows us to explore unfamiliar places and cultures. However, the journey itself can often be tiring and stressful. That’s where airport lounges come in.
In this guide we will be exploring the various paid access lounges available at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
We’ll take a closer look at the different options, including deals and amenities on offer to help you make the most of your airport visit.
Introduction to Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport
Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport (IATA: DEL), named after the former Prime Minister of India, is the main international airport serving Delhi, India’s capital city, and its surrounding districts.
The airport is situated in Palam, Delhi, and is 16km (10 miles) from New Delhi city centre. With a capacity to handle (as of 2022) 60 million passengers and an airside capacity of 140 million as of early 2022, it is one of the busiest in Asia.
The airport boasts three terminals, including a state-of-the-art Terminal 3 that features luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as a range of passenger amenities.
Whether you’re travelling for business or for pleasure, Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport is sure to make your journey a memorable one.
Summary of Available Paid Access Lounges
At Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport, there is a number of options for paid access lounges where you can relax and enjoy a variety of amenities before your flight. Below is a summary organised by terminal, featuring all lounges situated in the secure area of the airport unless otherwise specified.
Terminal 1 D, Domestic:
Encalm Lounge
Terminal 2 D, Domestic
Encalm Lounge
Terminal 3
Encalm Lounge (outside security)
Terminal 3, Domestic
Air India Maharajah Lounge
Domestic Lounge
Encalm Lounge
The Centurion Lounge
Terminal 3, International
Air India Maharajah Lounge
Encalm Lounge
Encalm Privé Lounge
Please refer to the detailed listings below for information on amenities, opening hours, and paid access options for each lounge.
Terminal 1 Domestic Lounges
Encalm Lounge
Location: Terminal 1 D, Airside-domestic departures. After Security hold area, Level 2, Mezzanine Level.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, TV, Charging Stations, Spirits & Liquor and Beer and Wine (for an additional fee).
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from US$22.00. Lounge accessible for 2 hours. Priority Pass members also have access, with two complimentary guests.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Terminal 2 - Domestic Lounges
Encalm Lounge
Location: Terminal 2 airside. Domestic departures, Security Hold Area, food court level.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, Telephones (local calls only), Shoeshine, Air conditioning, Non-smoking area.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from US$25.00. Lounge accessible for 2 hours. Priority Pass members also have access, with two complimentary guests.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Terminal 3 Lounges
Encalm Lounge (Outside Security)
Location: Terminal 3, landslide, outside security. Located prior to the exit gates, near the food court.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours.
Amenities: Snacks, Flight Monitors, TVs, Wi-Fi, Newspapers & Magazines, Complimentary Luggage storage available.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair for US$23.00. Maximum 3 hours access to lounge. You will still require a valid boarding pass for entry to this lounge. Priority Pass members also have access, with two complimentary guests.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Get Access to the Encalm Lounge (T3, Outside Security)
Terminal 3, Domestic Lounges
Air India Maharajah Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, Domestic, inside security. Domestic area, follow signs to entrance.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, TVs, Internet Terminals, Non -smoking area, 18+ cardholder.
How to access: All Air India Business Class, First Class, Golden Edge and Maharajah Club members of Flying Returns and Star Alliance Gold customers can access the lounge. The airline’s website states Economy Class and other airline passengers can also enjoy the lounge for a walk-up fee.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Domestic Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, Domestic, Inside Security. Located in the Security Hold Area, Food Court Level, Mezzanine Floor.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
Amenities: Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, TVs, Telephones (local calls only), Shoeshine, Air Conditioning, Non-Smoking.
How to access: Walk-up access via some bank credit and debit cards, including Priority Pass with two complimentary guests. Access to lounge is limited to a maximum of 2 hours.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Encalm Lounge
Location: Airside, Terminal 3, Domestic, Inside Security. Located after Security Hold Area on the mezzanine level, near lift 21, and the domestic food court area.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, TVs, Newspapers & Magazines, Shoeshine, Telephones, Charging stations. Alcoholic beverages and showers are available for an additional fee.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair for US$25. Maximum 2 hours lounge access. Priority Pass members also have access, with two complimentary guests.
Children: Under 2 are admitted free.
Get Access to the Encalm Lounge (T3, Domestic)
The Centurion Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, inside security, domestic. Located adjacent to gates 27 and 28.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wifi, Newspapers & Magazines, Tvs, Internet Terminals, Printers and Copiers, Non-smoking area,
How to access: All American Express Platinum, Platinum Corporate and Centurion cardholders are granted access to The Centurion Lounge. You can also gain complimentary access when you purchase a Delta flight with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.
Children: Under 12 years are admitted free - great value!
Terminal 3, International Lounges
Air India Maharajah Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, International, Inside Security. One level above Main Concourse, near the centre of the terminal.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Alcoholic beverages, WiFi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, Internet Terminals, Power Outlets, Private Rooms, Non-Smoking Area. Showers available for an additional fee of 200 INR (US$3.00)
How to access: This lounge is accessible for Air India’s First Class and Business customers, other Star Alliance member carriers, and those eligible for complimentary lounge access via Star Alliance Gold Status. Vistara also offers lounge access for their International Gold, Platinum and Business class customers who are flying out from Delhi T3.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Encalm Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, International, Inside Security. Lounge is located in Security Hold Area, Food Court Level, next to the Encalm Spa.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours.
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, TVs, Telephones (local calls only), Charging Stations. Alcoholic beverages, showers and conference rooms are available for an additional fee. Please see front desk agent for more information.
How to access: Purchase via LoungePair for $US40.00. Lounge accessible for 2 hours. Priority Pass members also have access, with two complimentary guests.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Get Access to the Encalm Lounge (T3, International)
Encalm Privé Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, International Inside Security. Departure Area. You can access the lounge via the entrance corridor next to the pharmacy for a lift to the 3rd floor.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic Beverages, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, TVs, Children’s Area, Smoking Area, Showers, Laundry and Ironing Attendants, Sleeping pods, Gym, and Spa. Some amenities such as the Gym are available upon arrival for an additional fee. Please see the front desk agent for more information.
How to access: Exclusive to Business and First Class international passengers with select airlines, as well as some elite frequent flyers. Passengers are required to show a boarding pass with confirmed same-day travel for access to the lounge. You will be advised at check-in whether you have access to this lounge.
Children: Under 2 years admitted free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Delhi Airport Lounges Cost?
Airport lounge access at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport can be purchased from US$25 for an up to two hour stay. Prices and duration can differ based on the lounge, terminal location, group size, pass purchase method, or complimentary access eligibility.
How can I get free lounge access in Delhi Airport?
You may be eligible for complimentary access into certain lounges either by purchasing a first or business class ticket or by owning a premium card that offer free lounge visits. Some airline elite status tiers and premium cabin tickets allow lounge entry too.
Access to Air India Maharajah Lounges are available to Air India's First and Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, and eligible Vistara customers (for T3). American Express high-tier cardholders and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card buyers can enter the Centurion Lounge. The Encalm Privé Lounge is reserved for business, first class, and select frequent flyers.
Can I use lounge on arrival in Delhi Airport?
In most cases lounges are available only to departing passengers as they are located inside security and past immigration checkpoints, meaning that you must first check-in your baggage and obtain your boarding pass.
However, the specific access details can vary, and it's advisable to check with each lounge for their access policies.
How much is the T1 Lounge in Delhi Airport?
An access pass to the Encalm Lounge at Terminal 1 (Domestic) can be purchased via LoungePair for US$25.00. The pass can be used once at any time or day the lounge is open, with an extended expiry of six months.
Which card is accepted at T3 lounge?
All Air India Business Class, First Class, Golden Edge and Maharajah Club members of Flying Returns and Star Alliance Gold customers can access the domestic and international Air Maharajah Lounges in Terminal 3. Vistara also offers lounge access for their International Gold, Platinum and Business class customers who are flying out from Delhi T3.
All American Express Platinum, Platinum Corporate and Centurion cardholders are granted access to The Centurion Lounge. You can also gain complimentary access when you purchase a Delta flight with a Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card.
The Domestic and Encalm Lounges at Terminal 3 are designed for entry via credit card and lounge passes, typically not accommodating airline-invited guests. Currently, the lounge is finalising agreements with several banks, with confirmed partnerships including:
American Express Platinum Charge Card
MasterCard (eligible cards issued in India)
HDFC Bank Diners Club Cards
Visa (eligible cards issued in India)
Priority Pass
How long can you stay in Delhi airport lounge?
Typically, lounges allow a stay of around 2-3 hours, but it is recommend to check directly with the specific lounge’s access policy.
For the Air India Maharajah Lounges, The Centurion and the Encalm Privé, length of stay will depend on the terms of your membership cards that grant access.
Otherwise, the Domestic Lounge at T3 and all other Encalm Lounges are accessible for 2 hours only.
Can I sleep in the airport lounge?
Yes, many lounges at Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport provide facilities that can be conducive to sleeping or resting, such as comfortable seating or recliners. However the exact amenities vary from lounge to lounge.
Some lounges have quiet zones (such as the private rooms in the Air India Maharajah Lounge International T3 or the sleeping pods at the Encalm Privé Lounge), while others simply offer comfortable chairs where passengers can relax and potentially nap.
For those needing a more dedicated space for sleeping, the airport also offers an in-transit hotel-the Holiday Inn Express-which provides private areas for rest and sleep with facilities such as beds and showers. Located inside the transit area, the hotel is divided into two wings with rooms available in both the international and the domestic wings of terminal 3.
Within the airport, Terminal 3 stands out as the newest addition and offers the most comfort for those looking to rest. The landside section of T3 provides numerous spots for stretching out, including benches without armrests and carpeted floor areas, particularly close to retail spaces.
Summing Up: Delhi Airport Lounges
Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport caters to various traveller needs, providing an array of paid access lounges perfect for relaxation, work, or dining before your flight.
Whether you seek a quiet spot to unwind, a conducive environment for last-minute work, or a place to savor a delicious meal, the airport's lounges are designed to enhance your travel experience.
With options ranging from luxurious settings for premium comfort to more budget-friendly choices, every traveler can find a lounge that meets their requirements for comfort, convenience, and service quality.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to check the latest information on the official websites for the lounge you want to visit, as lounge access criteria and amenities may change. Travel smart and enjoy your journey through Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport.
Safe travels, Team LoungePair!