Why India’s airport lounges are just as crowded as a train station

Travellers are swarming the lounges in search of free food and beverages, as well as a comfortable place to sit and charge their electronics. The issue? Nearly all other travellers are also doing that!The Indian airport lounge culture gained popularity among travellers who were previously eligible but unaware, thanks to the growth of shorts and reels promoting “free ka khana” (free food) in two rupees. The lines outside most lounges in the nation were growing longer due to increased credit and debit card penetration and banks making the “lounge visit” the primary draw for cards in order to push more cards in the market.

India’s travel statistics have surpassed those of the pre-COVID era, therefore we’ve recently seen an increase in passengers using the same amount of space in the lounge, as well as a significant number of people using debit and credit cards to get entry and wait in queue.

When the lounge was opened, it was intended to be a private space for business travellers who needed some alone time to unwind, work, and have a bite to eat before their flight. Making people productive at the airport was the plan. Instead, it became a place to overindulge in cold beverages and snacks while charging electronics.