Adani Airports has unveiled a digital platform enabling passengers at its eight Indian airports to book lounge access directly, removing intermediaries and streamlining the travel experience. This move is expected to democratise access to airport amenities and promote equitable, tech-enabled travel across metro and tier‑two cities alike.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of Adani Airports, a dedicated website portal now allows passengers to browse and book lounges across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mangaluru, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and the upcoming Navi Mumbai airport. An official statement emphasised that the initiative is part of the company’s Digital Lab strategy—an innovation arm aimed at integrating digital services to enhance passenger convenience while supporting low-carbon travel by cutting friction. Until now, airport lounges were commonly accessed through third-party agents linked with credit card vendors or service aggregators. The new direct platform enables users to view live availability, add-on services, and inclusive amenities, with no need for middlemen. The CEO noted that the goal is to deliver a world‑class experience by “eliminating intermediaries, offering seamless access and transparency to travellers.”
This change follows recent critiques of service aggregator practices after Dreamfolks—a major airport experience facilitator—revealed that its partnerships with several banks were terminated. Dreamfolks had attributed the loss of Axis Bank and ICICI Bank partnerships to pressure from airport operators. It also reported the termination of these programmes would have material financial impact. The operator emphasised it will manage fallout by diversifying income streams. Analysts note that by enabling direct booking, airport operators like Adani can strengthen control over passenger workflows, reduce reliance on external agents, and encourage greener travel practices. With passengers able to book digitally, use of paper vouchers and staff‑mediated transactions may decline—supporting both efficiency and sustainability. An aviation expert commented that this platform may shift the balance of power in airport services. “Direct booking platforms reshape passenger‑airport interactions. Airlines and airport operators can respond dynamically to demand, introduce tier‑neutral access and ensure equity for those without premium memberships,” the expert said.
Beyond end‑user convenience, the portal supports eco‑friendly agendas. Digital interfaces reduce printing of physical passes, and integrated payment systems can potentially incorporate carbon‑offset options for higher‑emission travel corridors. Experts point out that these initiatives align well with gender‑neutral design—by ensuring equal access for all travellers, regardless of whether they have credit cards or aggregator memberships. Adani Airports’ Digital Lab describes itself as a technology incubator focused on enhancing airport utilities—from lounge reservations and priority boarding to retail promotions and wayfinding services. The lounge portal launch is expected to be the first of a suite of solutions aimed at digitising airport experiences and decentralising service access in India’s high‑traffic aviation hubs.
Take-up data and user patterns across the eight airports will shape future service deployment. Airports in newer tier‑two cities like Mangaluru and Guwahati stand to gain from localised digital platforms, enabling regional access without need for financial intermediaries. However, some observers point out that successful rollout depends on resolving transitional challenges such as consumer trust, digital literacy and system reliability. A digital‑services consultant notes that clear user interfaces, multilingual support and real‑time confirmation are vital to ensure inclusivity and prevent digital exclusion. Adani has also announced that corporate tie‑ups and travel agency integrations will be evaluated after the initial pilot phase. This suggests possibility of future tie‑ups with corporate benefit schemes, while preserving direct booking advantages.
From a passenger welfare perspective, this development signals a shift in how airport services are accessed. Travellers from diverse socio‑economic backgrounds can now benefit from lounges—irrespective of premium airline status or external aggregator affiliations. Moreover, removing layers of middlemen helps avoid hidden markups and improves transparency, supporting equitable travel. As Indian aviation expands, with higher passenger throughput and more regional airports, direct and tech‑driven access to services will be critical to maintaining usability and sustainability. Adani Airports’ platform could set a precedent for other operators to follow.
The company is expected to provide usage metrics and passenger satisfaction results after the platform’s initial rollout—determining whether this innovation becomes a case study in equitable, low‑carbon airport service delivery.
Mumbai Airports Offer Direct Lounge Access via Adani Portal Across India
