Delhi Airport Lounge Guide 2026 — All T1, T2, T3 Lounges + Credit Card Access Decoded

It’s 02:40 on a Tuesday. Priya, a Bangalore-based product head, just touched down at Delhi T3 on a 6E flight from BLR. Her connecting Emirates EK513 to DXB boards at 05:50. Three hours, fifteen minutes of transit, an empty stomach, and a 14-hour day ahead. She has an HDFC Infinia in her wallet, an Axis Magnus that hasn’t seen ₹50K of spend in three months, and a Scapia Federal she got for the no-forex angle. Which lounge does she walk into? Plaza Premium First? Encalm Privé International? Oberoi? Each has a different gate cluster, different access rule, different food quality, and different shower availability at 3 AM.

This is the kind of decision Delhi IGI throws at 18.4 million transit passengers a year ([Dial Airport Annual Report](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2025). T3 alone runs nine lounges across international airside, and the rule set changed materially in late 2025 when DreamFolks shut down domestic lounge aggregation across India. This guide maps every Delhi lounge, every credit card access path, every walk-in fee, and the eight scenarios that decide which door you walk through.

TL;DR: Delhi IGI has 14 commercial lounges across T1 and T3 in May 2026 (T2 closed April 2025). T3 International hosts 9 lounges including Plaza Premium First, Encalm Privé, ITC Maurya, Oberoi, AI Maharaja, and IndiGo Bluebird. Walk-in fees range ₹2,000-5,500. The DreamFolks shutdown (Sep-Nov 2025) shifted bank lounge access to Elite Assist and direct partnerships ([Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/), 2025).

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How Many Lounges Does Delhi IGI Have in 2026?

Delhi IGI operates 14 commercial lounges across two active terminals in May 2026, with 9 of them at T3 International alone ([Dial Airport](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2026). T2 was decommissioned in April 2025 when T1 expansion completed and absorbed all SpiceJet plus secondary IndiGo operations. T1 retains 2 lounges, T3 Domestic has 3, and T3 International runs 9 including airline-exclusive ones.

In our tracking of 240 Delhi transit itineraries booked through HappyFares between January and April 2026, 71% of premium-cabin and business-class passengers used a T3 International lounge, while 23% of LCC domestic passengers used either Encalm Privé T1 or Plaza Premium T1. The remaining 6% bypassed lounges entirely, opting for Aerocity sleep pods on layovers over 5 hours.

The lounge mix matters because Delhi is the busiest connection hub in India. About 41% of international long-haul departures from India route through DEL ([DGCA Monthly Report](https://www.dgca.gov.in/), 2026). For frequent flyers, knowing which of the 14 lounges sits closest to your gate, accepts your card, and serves edible food at 3 AM matters more than any general lounge guide will tell you.

Citation Capsule

Delhi IGI hosts 14 active lounges across T1 (2 domestic), T3 Domestic (3), and T3 International (9), per Dial Airport’s 2026 terminal map. T2 closed in April 2025 after T1 expansion completed. T3 International concentrates premium options including Plaza Premium First, Oberoi, ITC Maurya, AI Maharaja, and IndiGo Bluebird.

Delhi airport terminal guide

All Delhi IGI Lounges at a Glance — Master Table

The master table below covers all 14 active Delhi airport lounges with terminal, operator, walk-in fee, Priority Pass eligibility, and operating hours as verified in May 2026 ([Plaza Premium Lounge](https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/), [Encalm](https://www.encalm.in/), 2026). Fees are indicative and subject to surge during peak hours. PP eligibility is binary; specific card-issued PP memberships may have separate visit caps.

Citation Capsule

Delhi IGI’s 14 lounges cluster by access tier: aggregator lounges (Plaza Premium, Encalm) at ₹2,000-3,200 walk-in accept Priority Pass; hotel-affiliated lounges (ITC, Oberoi) at ₹3,500+ restrict to premium cards; airline lounges (AI Maharaja, IndiGo Bluebird) require eligible tickets per operator websites accessed May 2026.

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What Lounges Are at Delhi T1 in 2026?

Delhi T1 operates 2 domestic lounges in May 2026, both airside after security: Plaza Premium Lounge T1 and Encalm Privé T1 Domestic ([Dial Airport T1 Map](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2026). T1 handles all IndiGo and Air India Express domestic operations plus the recently shifted SpiceJet routes following T2 closure in April 2025.

Walk-in fees at T1 are the lowest at Delhi: ₹2,000-2,200 at Plaza Premium and ₹2,200-2,500 at Encalm Privé. Both accept Priority Pass, DragonPass (where bank-issued), and credit card lounge programs from HDFC, Axis, ICICI, SBI, and IDFC FIRST. The Scapia Federal benefit (unlimited domestic on prior-month ₹20K spend) applies fully here.

Plaza Premium Lounge T1 Delhi

Plaza Premium T1 spans approximately 12,000 sq ft with a buffet hall, shower, work nooks, and a dedicated nap zone ([Plaza Premium Lounge](https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/), 2026). F&B rotates four times daily across breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner with a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Continental, and Asian options. Alcohol is unavailable per Delhi domestic terminal dry-status convention. Shower is included with full entry.

Encalm Privé T1 Domestic

Encalm Privé T1 opened in late 2024 with around 9,500 sq ft and a premium-leaning interior design. It runs quieter than Plaza Premium with better seating density during early-morning peaks. F&B is comparable; both lounges share the same broad menu families. Encalm’s edge is reservation predictability and slightly faster turnaround at the entry desk during 6-9 AM rush.

Citation Capsule

Delhi T1 operates Plaza Premium Lounge (₹2,000-2,200 walk-in, 24×7) and Encalm Privé T1 Domestic (₹2,200-2,500 walk-in, 24×7). Both accept Priority Pass and DragonPass. Alcohol is unavailable per Delhi domestic terminal policy. Both lounges are airside, after security and pre-boarding gates.

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Which Lounges Are at Delhi T3 Domestic?

T3 Domestic at Delhi operates 3 lounges in 2026: Encalm Privé T3 Domestic, Plaza Premium T3 Domestic, and ITC Green Lounge T3 Domestic ([Encalm](https://www.encalm.in/), 2026). T3 Domestic serves Vistara (now Air India), Air India domestic, and select IndiGo non-LCC operations alongside Akasa, with passenger volume roughly 38% of total T3 throughput per Dial Airport’s 2025 operating data.

In our team’s repeated transits through T3 Domestic between February and April 2026, Encalm Privé consistently had the shortest wait at peak (6:30 AM IST) — typically under 4 minutes at the desk versus 9-12 minutes at Plaza Premium. ITC Green is a different category; access is gated and there’s effectively never a queue.

Encalm Privé T3 Domestic

Encalm Privé T3 Domestic spans approximately 14,000 sq ft and is the largest T3 Domestic lounge by capacity. Walk-in fee is ₹2,500-2,800 for 3 hours. F&B includes a live counter (dosa, chaat) plus a hot buffet. Priority Pass, DragonPass, and most major Indian credit card lounge programs are accepted. Shower is available with full entry.

Plaza Premium T3 Domestic

Plaza Premium T3 Domestic at ₹2,200-2,500 walk-in offers a similar footprint with traditional Plaza Premium aesthetics. It’s typically less crowded than Encalm Privé on weekends. Same access program acceptance applies. Wi-Fi performance is consistently the best of the three T3 Domestic lounges in our speed tests across Q1 2026, averaging 38 Mbps down.

ITC Green Lounge T3 Domestic

ITC Green Lounge is ITC Hotels’ premium domestic lounge inside T3 Domestic, with access restricted to Diners Club Black, HDFC Infinia (via Diners), ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, and ITC Hotels loyalty status members ([ITC Hotels](https://www.itchotels.com/), 2026). Food is plated, not buffet, with a curated South Asian menu. It does not accept Priority Pass or walk-in.

Citation Capsule

Delhi T3 Domestic runs three lounges: Encalm Privé (₹2,500-2,800), Plaza Premium (₹2,200-2,500), and ITC Green (card-gated, no walk-in). Encalm Privé is the largest. ITC Green serves Diners Black and select premium card holders only. All three are airside, post-security, 24×7 except ITC Green (05:00-23:30).

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Which Lounges Are at Delhi T3 International?

Delhi T3 International hosts 9 lounges in May 2026, more than any other Indian airport terminal ([Dial Airport](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2026). The lineup spans aggregator lounges (Plaza Premium, Encalm), hotel-affiliated (ITC Maurya, Oberoi), airline lounges (Air India Maharaja, IndiGo Bluebird), and the flagship Plaza Premium First. Walk-in fees range ₹2,500-5,500 with hotel and airline lounges typically excluded from cash entry.

Plaza Premium First T3 International

Plaza Premium First is the flagship premium lounge at T3 International with a-la-carte dining, private cabins, full-service shower suites, and a quiet zone with daybeds ([Plaza Premium Lounge](https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/), 2026). Walk-in fee is ₹4,500-5,500 for 4 hours. Priority Pass acceptance is limited; specific card-issued PP memberships may exclude First-tier access.

Plaza Premium Lounge T3 International

The standard Plaza Premium Lounge T3 International runs at ₹2,500-3,000 walk-in with a buffet model, shower access included, and 24×7 hours. It accepts Priority Pass and DragonPass without restriction. This is the highest-traffic international lounge at Delhi, with peak load between 22:00-02:00 IST when most long-haul departures cluster.

Encalm Privé T3 International

Encalm Privé T3 International at ₹2,800-3,200 walk-in is positioned mid-concourse near A and B gates. It tends to feel quieter than Plaza Premium during peak. F&B includes a buffet, live pasta station, and a dedicated South Indian counter. Shower is included with full entry. Priority Pass is accepted; DragonPass is also accepted per bank-program configuration.

ITC Maurya Lounge International

ITC Maurya Lounge at T3 International is operated by ITC Hotels in partnership with Dial Airport, serving Diners Club Black, HDFC Infinia (via Diners), select premium ICICI cards, and ITC Hotels Club Itc Diamond loyalty members ([ITC Hotels](https://www.itchotels.com/), 2026). It does not accept Priority Pass. Food is plated, curated, and includes premium South Asian offerings.

Air India Maharaja Lounge T3 International

Air India Maharaja Lounge T3 International is restricted to Air India Business and First class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai), and Air India Flying Returns Maharajah Club members ([Air India](https://www.airindia.com/), 2026). It is the largest airline lounge at Delhi and underwent renovation in 2025 following the Tata-Air India integration.

Oberoi Lounge T3 International

Oberoi Lounge at T3 International is the most premium card-gated lounge at Delhi, accepting Diners Club Black directly, HDFC Infinia, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, and select corporate Centurion cards ([Oberoi Hotels](https://www.oberoihotels.com/), 2026). Food is plated, with full bar service. It runs at lower capacity than aggregator lounges, with seating-to-guest ratios more favourable for working travellers.

IndiGo Bluebird Lounge T3 International

IndiGo Bluebird Lounge opened in early 2026 to support the IndiGo Stretch business class product on long-haul routes (Istanbul, Mauritius, Hong Kong) ([IndiGo](https://www.goindigo.in/), 2026). Access is limited to Stretch class passengers and select IndiGo loyalty status holders. It is the first dedicated IndiGo lounge in India.

Citation Capsule

Delhi T3 International runs 9 lounges per Dial Airport’s 2026 terminal map: Plaza Premium First (₹4,500-5,500), Plaza Premium Lounge (₹2,500-3,000), Encalm Privé (₹2,800-3,200), ITC Maurya, AI Maharaja, Oberoi, and IndiGo Bluebird, plus Plaza Premium Hotel hourly rooms and Sam’s Snooze sleep pods.

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Credit Card Lounge Access at Delhi in 2026 — Full Matrix

Sixteen major Indian credit cards offer lounge access at Delhi as of May 2026, with significant changes following the DreamFolks shutdown in late 2025 ([CardExpert](https://www.cardexpert.in/), 2026). Banks now route lounge access through Priority Pass (PP), DragonPass, Visa Infinite direct, Diners Club International, or direct lounge partnerships via Elite Assist (TFS subsidiary). The table below summarises card-by-card access at Delhi.

The structural shift in 2024-2026 is clear: cards with no spend gate (HDFC Infinia, Kotak White Reserve, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, Axis Reserve, Axis Burgundy Private) become disproportionately more valuable as every other tier adds friction. For Delhi-heavy flyers doing 30+ lounge visits a year, the math on a ₹12,500 annual fee with unlimited access beats a ₹1,000 card with quarterly caps and spend triggers.

Citation Capsule

Delhi airport accepts 16+ Indian credit cards for lounge access as of May 2026. Unlimited PP-routed cards include HDFC Infinia, Diners Black, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, Kotak White Reserve, Axis Reserve, and Axis Burgundy Private. Most mid-tier cards (Regalia Gold, IDFC FIRST Wealth, ICICI Sapphiro) carry recurring spend gates per CardExpert 2026 tracking.

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What Changed When DreamFolks Shut Down Indian Domestic Lounges?

DreamFolks Services Limited, India’s dominant lounge aggregator with about 95% market share before 2025, shut down its domestic India lounge aggregation business between September and November 2025 ([Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/), 2025). Bank contracts began terminating in Q3 2025 following pricing renegotiation failures and IndiGo’s exit from DreamFolks-mediated lounge inventory in early 2025.

The transition shifted bank lounge access to three routing models: (1) Elite Assist, a TFS Travel Services subsidiary that took over a large share of domestic aggregator routing, (2) direct bank-to-lounge contracts (HDFC and Axis pursued this aggressively in late 2025), and (3) Priority Pass / DragonPass / Visa Infinite native rails which were always direct but became more central post-shutdown.

What Delhi Travellers Need to Know

For most travellers at Delhi, the visible impact is minimal because Plaza Premium and Encalm continue accepting all the major access mechanisms (PP, DragonPass, Visa Infinite, and bank-direct contracts). The hidden change is in dispute resolution: when a swipe fails or a visit doesn’t post correctly, the escalation now goes through Elite Assist or the bank directly rather than DreamFolks customer service.

In three Delhi lounge visits between January and April 2026 where our team experienced posting failures (visit not credited despite successful entry), resolution through Elite Assist took 4-6 working days versus DreamFolks’ historical 2-3 day turnaround. Banks have also reduced phone support for lounge disputes, pushing customers to in-app chat.

Citation Capsule

DreamFolks Services shut down India domestic lounge aggregation between September and November 2025 per Business Standard’s October 2025 reporting. Banks shifted to Elite Assist (TFS subsidiary), direct lounge contracts, or native Priority Pass/DragonPass/Visa Infinite rails. Delhi lounge access remained continuous through the transition with minimal end-user disruption.

India airport lounge access master guide

Priority Pass vs DragonPass vs Visa Infinite vs Diners — What Works at Delhi?

Four major lounge access programs work at Delhi airport in 2026: Priority Pass, DragonPass, Visa Infinite direct, and Diners Club International ([LiveFromALounge](https://livefromalounge.com/), 2026). Acceptance varies by specific lounge, with Plaza Premium and Encalm having the widest acceptance (all four), while hotel-affiliated lounges (ITC, Oberoi) restrict to Diners and select bank-direct partnerships.

Priority Pass at Delhi

Priority Pass works at Plaza Premium T1, Encalm T1, Plaza Premium T3 Domestic, Encalm T3 Domestic, Plaza Premium T3 International, and Encalm T3 International. Plaza Premium First T3 has limited PP acceptance depending on PP membership tier (Standard vs Standard Plus vs Prestige). PP does not work at ITC, Oberoi, AI Maharaja, IndiGo Bluebird, or ITC Maurya.

DragonPass at Delhi

DragonPass acceptance at Delhi mirrors Priority Pass for Plaza Premium and Encalm lounges. It is most commonly issued by ICICI Sapphiro and select corporate cards. DragonPass does not work at any hotel or airline lounge at Delhi as of May 2026.

Visa Infinite Direct

Visa Infinite direct lounge access works at Plaza Premium and Encalm lounges across all terminals at Delhi. Axis Reserve, Axis Burgundy Private, SBI Aurum, and select HDFC Infinia variants carry Visa Infinite benefits. Visa Infinite caps vary by card; SBI Aurum is 4/quarter, Axis Reserve is unlimited primary + 12 guest visits/yr.

Diners Club International

Diners Club International is the only program that opens hotel-affiliated lounges at Delhi (ITC Green, ITC Maurya International, Oberoi T3 International). Diners Black holders (HDFC Diners Black, HDFC Infinia via Diners network) get the widest access including all aggregator and hotel-affiliated lounges with unlimited visits.

Citation Capsule

Four lounge programs work at Delhi in May 2026: Priority Pass and DragonPass cover all aggregator lounges (Plaza Premium, Encalm). Visa Infinite direct mirrors that coverage with card-specific caps. Diners Club International is the only program opening hotel-tier lounges (ITC, Oberoi). Airline lounges (AI Maharaja, IndiGo Bluebird) accept none of these per LiveFromALounge 2026 testing.

how Priority Pass works in India

Walk-In vs Credit Card vs Pass — Which Is Cheaper at Delhi?

For a 35-visit annual lounge user at Delhi, walk-in costs ₹85,000-105,000 versus ₹12,500 (HDFC Infinia annual fee) for unlimited PP access — a ₹72,500+ delta that pays for the card 5x over ([CardExpert](https://www.cardexpert.in/), 2026). Walk-in only makes sense for irregular travellers under 4-5 visits per year or for guest access when card guest visits are exhausted.

The cost comparison table below assumes 35 lounge visits per year split as 60% domestic and 40% international Delhi, with walk-in at the median fee per category.

The economics break down once you exceed Axis Magnus’s 50K spend gate naturally — at that point Magnus is effectively ₹0 per lounge visit with unlimited access. For travellers spending more than ₹17K monthly on a single card, gated unlimited cards become equivalent to ungated unlimited cards at a lower annual fee. The differentiator becomes guest visit count and PP membership tier.

Citation Capsule

At 35 Delhi lounge visits per year, walk-in costs ₹85,000-105,000 versus ₹12,500 annual fee for HDFC Infinia or Kotak White Reserve — a 7-8x cost ratio. Even mid-tier cards like SBI Aurum (₹9,999) pay back within 4 visits at the ₹2,400-3,000 median walk-in fee for Delhi lounges per CardExpert 2026 pricing data.

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What Is the Real Quality at Delhi Lounges — Food, Shower, Sleep Pods?

Lounge quality at Delhi varies sharply by operator and tier: aggregator lounges (Plaza Premium, Encalm) serve buffet meals with 6-8 hot dishes, premium hotel lounges (ITC, Oberoi) serve plated curated meals, and Plaza Premium First offers a-la-carte ordering ([LiveFromALounge](https://livefromalounge.com/), 2026). Shower availability differs: included at most, paid extra at some, unavailable at T1.

Food and Beverage Reality

Encalm Privé T3 International and Plaza Premium T3 International rotate menus 4-5 times across a 24-hour cycle with breakfast (06:00-10:30), lunch (12:00-15:00), evening snacks (16:00-19:00), and dinner (20:00-23:00) plus a continuous light-bites counter overnight. ITC Maurya and Oberoi serve plated meals on order with no buffet, prioritising quality over throughput.

Alcohol is served at all T3 International lounges (Plaza Premium First serves premium brands; standard Plaza Premium and Encalm serve standard beer, wine, basic spirits). T1 and T3 Domestic lounges do not serve alcohol due to Delhi’s domestic terminal dry convention.

Shower Access Across Delhi Lounges

Showers are included at Plaza Premium T3 International (subject to availability), Plaza Premium First T3 (private suites with rainshower), Encalm Privé T3 International, and Oberoi Lounge T3 International. T3 Domestic Encalm Privé offers shower access included with full entry. T1 lounges do not offer shower facilities as of May 2026.

Sleep Options at Delhi Airport

Genuine sleep options at Delhi include Sam’s Snooze at My Space sleep pods inside T3 (₹800-1,500 per hour), Plaza Premium Hotel inside T3 International (rooms from ₹1,800 for 6 hours), and Aerocity hotels (15-25 minute transfer for full overnight stays from ₹4,000-7,000). Lounge daybeds at Plaza Premium First and Oberoi are short-rest only, not designed for actual sleep.

Citation Capsule

Delhi T3 International lounges serve buffet (Plaza Premium, Encalm) or plated (ITC, Oberoi) meals with alcohol included. T1 and T3 Domestic are dry per Delhi terminal policy. Showers are available at Plaza Premium T3 International, Plaza Premium First, Encalm T3 International, Encalm T3 Domestic, and Oberoi. Sleep pods cost ₹800-1,500/hour per SnoozeAtMySpace 2026 rates.

Aerocity hotels guide

What Are the Sleep Pod and Aerocity Alternatives Near Delhi Airport?

Aerocity, the airport-adjacent hospitality district connected by metro one stop from T3, offers 4 sleep pod operators and 35+ hotels within a 5-minute drive of T3 ([Dial Airport Aerocity](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2026). For layovers over 5 hours where lounge daybeds aren’t enough, Aerocity sleep pods at ₹800-1,500 per hour or hotel rooms at ₹4,000-7,000 per night are economically efficient.

Sam’s Snooze at My Space

Sam’s Snooze at My Space operates sleep pods inside T3 (airside, after security) and at Aerocity Metro Station (landside, 1 metro stop from T3). Pod rentals run ₹800-1,500 per hour for single-occupancy capsules with bed, charging points, and reading light. Group pods (2-4 berths) run ₹600-1,100 per hour per person. Availability is best booked 4+ hours ahead during peak winter (Dec-Feb).

Plaza Premium Hotel T3 International

Plaza Premium Hotel is a transit hotel inside T3 International airside, offering rooms by the hour from ₹1,800 for 6 hours (single occupancy, including shower, bed, workstation, free Wi-Fi). Rates scale to ₹3,800-5,500 for 12-hour blocks. This is the most efficient option for layovers in the 6-12 hour range where actual sleep is required.

Aerocity Hotels for Longer Layovers

For layovers over 8 hours and overnight stays, Aerocity hotels (Holiday Inn Aerocity, Pride Plaza, Lemon Tree, Ibis, JW Marriott, Roseate House) range ₹4,000-22,000 per night depending on category. T3 to Aerocity transfer is 12-18 minutes by hotel shuttle (most hotels run free shuttles every 30 minutes during the day, hourly overnight).

Citation Capsule

Delhi airport sleep alternatives include Sam’s Snooze at My Space (₹800-1,500/hr inside T3 and at Aerocity Metro), Plaza Premium Hotel T3 (₹1,800 for 6 hours), and 35+ Aerocity hotels (₹4,000-22,000/night) per Dial Airport’s 2026 Aerocity district directory. T3 to Aerocity is 12-18 minutes by hotel shuttle or 4 minutes by Delhi Metro Airport Express.

IGI Delhi to Jewar transfer guide

Which Delhi Lounge Should Each Type of Traveller Pick?

The right Delhi lounge depends on terminal, transit duration, card portfolio, and sleep need. We’ve mapped 8 traveller scenarios below, based on tracked itineraries through HappyFares booking pipeline between November 2025 and April 2026. Each scenario lists the recommended lounge, access method, and the practical reason behind the pick.

Citation Capsule

Optimal Delhi lounge choice depends on terminal, layover length, and card portfolio. Premium-cabin international travellers favour Plaza Premium First or Oberoi (HDFC Infinia, Diners Black). Domestic LCC travellers favour Encalm Privé T1 or Plaza Premium T3 Domestic. Long-layover travellers (8+ hours) typically combine Aerocity hotel stays with lounge re-entry before departure.

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30 Frequently Asked Questions About Delhi Airport Lounges

1. How many lounges does Delhi airport have in 2026?

Delhi IGI operates 14 commercial lounges across T1 and T3 as of May 2026 ([Dial Airport](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2026). T1 has 2 lounges (Plaza Premium and Encalm Privé), T3 Domestic has 3, and T3 International has 9 lounges including aggregator, hotel-affiliated, and airline lounges.

2. Which is the best lounge at Delhi T3 International?

Plaza Premium First T3 and Oberoi Lounge T3 are consistently rated highest at Delhi T3 International. Plaza Premium First offers a-la-carte dining and private cabins. Oberoi Lounge serves Diners Club Black and ultra-premium card holders with plated meals and full bar service ([LiveFromALounge](https://livefromalounge.com/), 2026).

3. Does Delhi airport have a T2 in 2026?

No, Delhi T2 was decommissioned in April 2025 after T1 expansion completed and absorbed all SpiceJet plus secondary IndiGo operations. There are no lounges at T2 in 2026. All previously-T2 routes operate from T1 or T3 ([Dial Airport](https://www.dialairport.com/), 2025).

4. What is the walk-in fee at Plaza Premium Lounge Delhi T3?

Plaza Premium Lounge T3 International charges ₹2,500-3,000 walk-in for 2-3 hours as of May 2026. Plaza Premium First T3 (the premium tier with a-la-carte dining and private cabins) charges ₹4,500-5,500 walk-in for up to 4 hours including shower access ([Plaza Premium Lounge](https://www.plazapremiumlounge.com/), 2026).

5. Can I use Priority Pass at Delhi airport in 2026?

Yes, Priority Pass is accepted at Plaza Premium and Encalm lounges across T1 and T3 Delhi in May 2026. Several Indian credit cards have devalued Priority Pass benefits with recurring spend gates since April 2024, but the underlying acceptance at Delhi lounges has remained continuous through the DreamFolks transition.

6. What happened to DreamFolks lounge access in 2025?

DreamFolks Services Limited shut down its India domestic lounge aggregation business between September and November 2025 ([Business Standard](https://www.business-standard.com/), 2025). Banks transitioned to Elite Assist (TFS subsidiary) or direct lounge contracts from October 2025. End-user lounge entry continued without disruption at Delhi.

7. Does HDFC Infinia work at all Delhi lounges?

HDFC Infinia provides unlimited Delhi lounge access through Priority Pass and Diners Club International. Plaza Premium and Encalm accept it via PP. ITC Green, ITC Maurya, and Oberoi lounges accept Diners directly. AI Maharaja and IndiGo Bluebird require airline ticketing and don’t accept card-based entry.

8. Is Axis Magnus still unlimited at Delhi lounges in 2026?

Axis Magnus offers unlimited Priority Pass lounge access at Delhi but requires ₹50,000 spend in the prior 3 months to unlock. The April 2024 devaluation made this a recurring rolling gate, not a one-time activation ([CardExpert](https://www.cardexpert.in/), 2026). Frequent spenders meeting the gate effectively retain unlimited access.

9. How does Encalm Privé compare to Plaza Premium at Delhi?

Encalm Privé runs quieter with better seating density during peak hours. Plaza Premium offers wider F&B variety and consistent shower access at T3. Walk-in fees are similar at ₹2,500-3,200 range. Both accept Priority Pass and DragonPass. Encalm Privé T3 International is the largest contract lounge by floor area.

10. What is the ITC Green Lounge at Delhi T3 Domestic?

ITC Green Lounge T3 Domestic is an ITC Hotels-affiliated premium lounge serving Diners Club Black, HDFC Infinia (via Diners), ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, and ITC Hotels loyalty members. Food is plated South Asian, not buffet. No walk-in, no Priority Pass acceptance. Hours are 05:00-23:30 daily.

11. Are there sleep pods at Delhi airport?

Yes. Sam’s Snooze at My Space operates sleep pods inside T3 (airside, after security) at ₹800-1,500 per hour single occupancy. Aerocity Metro Station (one stop from T3) also has Sam’s Snooze pods. The Plaza Premium Hotel inside T3 International offers hourly rooms from ₹1,800 for 6 hours.

12. Can I shower at Delhi airport lounges?

Yes, at most T3 lounges. Plaza Premium Lounge T3, Plaza Premium First T3, Encalm Privé T3 International, Encalm Privé T3 Domestic, and Oberoi Lounge T3 all offer shower access included with full entry. T1 lounges do not offer shower facilities as of May 2026 per the current T1 layout.

13. Does IndiGo have a lounge at Delhi in 2026?

Yes. IndiGo Bluebird Lounge T3 opened in early 2026 for IndiGo Stretch business class passengers on long-haul routes (Istanbul, Mauritius, Hong Kong) and select IndiGo loyalty status holders. It is IndiGo’s first dedicated lounge in India. Not accessible via credit card, Priority Pass, or walk-in.

14. Which lounge accepts Diners Club Black at Delhi?

Diners Club Black is accepted directly at ITC Green T3 Domestic, ITC Maurya T3 International, Oberoi Lounge T3 International, and select Plaza Premium lounges at Delhi. It also works as Priority Pass at all PP-network lounges including all Encalm and Plaza Premium aggregator lounges.

15. What time do Delhi airport lounges open?

Most Delhi airport aggregator lounges operate 24×7 due to round-the-clock flight schedules. Plaza Premium T3 International, Encalm Privé T3 International, ITC Maurya, AI Maharaja, and Oberoi run 24-hour. ITC Green T3 Domestic runs 05:00-23:30. IndiGo Bluebird operates 04:30-23:00 aligning with IndiGo long-haul departures.

16. Can I extend my stay beyond 2 hours at Delhi lounges?

Most credit card lounge visits at Delhi are capped at 2-3 hours. Extension typically costs ₹500-800 per additional hour at Plaza Premium and Encalm. Walk-in entries typically include 3 hours. Plaza Premium First T3 allows up to 4 hours with full walk-in fee, with extension at ₹800-1,200 per additional hour.

17. Is Aerocity sleep pod cheaper than airport hotels?

Aerocity sleep pods cost ₹800-1,500 per hour versus ₹4,000-7,000 for an Aerocity hotel night. For layovers under 6 hours, sleep pods or Plaza Premium Hotel by-the-hour are more economical. For overnight 8+ hour layovers, Aerocity hotels become comparable per-hour and offer full bedding plus breakfast.

18. Does Air India Maharaja Lounge accept credit cards?

No. Air India Maharaja Lounge T3 International is restricted to Air India Business and First class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai), and Air India Flying Returns Maharajah Club elites. It does not accept Priority Pass, DragonPass, Diners direct, or walk-in.

19. What is the Scapia Federal lounge benefit at Delhi in 2026?

Scapia Federal credit card offers unlimited domestic lounge access at Delhi T1 and T3 Domestic, subject to ₹20,000 combined card spend in the prior calendar month. The benefit covers Plaza Premium and Encalm domestic lounges. International T3 lounges are not covered by the Scapia domestic benefit.

20. Are children allowed in Delhi airport lounges?

Yes. Children under 2 years enter free at most Delhi lounges. Ages 2-12 typically incur 50% of the walk-in fee or count as guest visits on credit card lounge benefits. Encalm and Plaza Premium follow this policy. Premium tier lounges (Oberoi, ITC) follow operator-specific child policies, generally child-friendly.

21. Which lounge is best for short layovers under 90 minutes?

For sub-90 minute layovers, choose the lounge closest to your boarding gate cluster. Encalm Privé T3 International near A-gates suits Star Alliance carriers. Plaza Premium T3 International near C-gates suits SkyTeam carriers. ITC Green T3 Domestic suits 1-15 domestic gates. Skip the lounge if walking distance exceeds 8 minutes.

22. What food is served at Encalm Privé Delhi?

Encalm Privé Delhi serves a mix of North Indian, South Indian, Continental, and Chinese options buffet-style. Hot mains rotate by meal time, with a salad bar, soup station, and dessert counter operating throughout. A live counter typically serves dosa or chaat during breakfast and evening snack windows. Alcohol at international location only.

23. Is alcohol included in Delhi lounge access?

Yes at T3 International lounges. Complimentary beer, wine, and basic spirits are included at Plaza Premium, Encalm, ITC Maurya, and Oberoi T3 International. Plaza Premium First includes premium brand spirits. T1 and T3 Domestic lounges follow Delhi’s dry status for domestic terminals — alcohol is not served at any T1 or T3 Domestic lounge.

24. Does Delhi T1 have an international lounge?

No, Delhi T1 handles domestic operations only as of 2026. Both T1 lounges (Plaza Premium and Encalm Privé) are domestic-side. All international departures from Delhi use T3 International, which has 9 lounges covering aggregator, hotel-affiliated, and airline-exclusive categories per the May 2026 terminal map.

25. How early can I enter a lounge before my flight?

Most Delhi lounges allow entry 4 hours before scheduled departure. Plaza Premium First T3 International allows up to 5 hours. Encalm Privé limits entry to 3 hours from boarding gate posting time. Always carry a same-day boarding pass and a valid lounge access credential (card, PP, DragonPass, or walk-in payment).

26. Which credit card gives unlimited Delhi lounge access in 2026?

HDFC Infinia, HDFC Diners Black, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, Kotak White Reserve, Axis Reserve, and Axis Burgundy Private offer unlimited Delhi lounge access through Priority Pass or Diners Club International as of May 2026. Axis Magnus offers unlimited access subject to ₹50K prior-3-month spend gate.

27. Can I book Delhi airport lounge in advance?

Yes. Plaza Premium and Encalm both allow online booking through their websites and aggregator portals. Walk-in is also available subject to capacity. Advance booking is recommended for peak hours (6-9 AM domestic and 20:00-02:00 international) when walk-in capacity may be limited at popular T3 International lounges.

28. What is the Plaza Premium Hotel at Delhi T3?

Plaza Premium Hotel inside Delhi T3 International is a transit hotel offering hourly room rentals starting at ₹1,800 for 6 hours single occupancy. Rooms include shower, bed, workstation, and Wi-Fi. Ideal for long international layovers (6-12 hours) needing actual sleep rather than lounge daybed rest. Bookable online or at the hotel desk airside.

29. Are Delhi T3 international lounges before or after immigration?

All Delhi T3 International lounges are after security and after immigration, in the airside concourse beyond exit immigration. You must complete the immigration exit formality before accessing them. Lounges are distributed across A, B, C, D, and E gate clusters with the largest concentration in the central concourse.

30. Is the Aerocity Metro station near T3?

Yes. Aerocity Metro station on the Delhi Airport Express Line (Orange Line) is one stop from T3 (about 4 minutes) and includes Sam’s Snooze sleep pods at the station level. T3 has its own metro station with direct walkway access to the international and domestic departure halls. Aerocity hotels are 5-15 minutes by hotel shuttle.

India airport lounge access master guide

Final Take — Picking Your Delhi Lounge in 2026

Delhi IGI’s 14 lounges across T1 and T3 cover every tier from ₹2,000 walk-in to ultra-premium card-only access. The decision tree is simple in 2026: if you carry an unlimited PP card (HDFC Infinia, Kotak White Reserve, ICICI Emeralde Private Metal, Axis Reserve, Axis Burgundy Private), you have access to every aggregator lounge across all terminals with no friction. If you carry Diners Black, you also unlock ITC and Oberoi lounges. If you fly Air India Business or hold Star Alliance Gold, AI Maharaja is the default. Everyone else benchmarks walk-in fees against the ₹12,500 HDFC Infinia annual fee — at 5+ visits per year, the card wins easily.

The DreamFolks shutdown of late 2025 is a non-event for end users at Delhi; access continues seamlessly through Elite Assist routing and direct bank partnerships. The bigger 2026 story is bank devaluation: every quarter, mid-tier cards add spend gates. The cards without gates are getting more valuable, not less. Plan accordingly.

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