Airlines

5 Best airport lounges in India that give luxury

The best airport lounges frequently feature more opulent services in addition to these basic comforts. This may include a variety of fine dining options with a wide range of culinary options, premium drinks and cocktails, attentive staff who provide individualized service, plush seating areas with privacy partitions, relaxation areas with comfortable beds or recliners, well-equipped wellness centers or spas, and exclusive access to specialized services like private suites or meeting spaces.

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Here we have listed some of the best airport lounges that offer an elevated experience and exceed the standard services available in the main terminals. They cater to the needs and preferences for travelers, allowing them to relax, work, or indulge in a luxurious setting before their flight.

1. Adani Lounge, Mumbai Airport: This lounge, formerly known as the GVK Lounge, is one of India’s most popular airport lounges. The lounge, which is housed in Terminal 2 of the Mumbai Airport, offers fine dining and ultra-luxurious surroundings. It provides a range of extras and services to make travelling more enjoyable, including cosy seating, free Wi-Fi, refreshments, food, and drinks, as well as newspapers, magazines, and televisions. The goal of the lounge is to create a peaceful atmosphere where guests may relax and unwind before their travels.

2. Plaza Premium Lounge, International Departures, Hyderabad:

This lounge can be found on Level E, International Departures, of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. With a breathtaking airside view, the lounge provides a tranquil setting. An all-in-one computer workstation and fast WiFi are available in the lounge. Comfortable seats, electronic device charging stations, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and shower facilities. This makes it the perfect option for business travelers.

3. American Express Lounge, Domestic Departures, Delhi Terminal 3

On the domestic side of Terminal 3, directly across from Starbucks, is where you’ll find this lounge. It provides customized eating alternatives so you can order meals from the menu rather than pick from a buffet. Additionally, it contains a bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

4.The Oberoi Lounge, Bengaluru International Airport (Bangalore):

Located in the domestic terminal, this lounge offers a serene and luxurious atmosphere. It provides amenities such as a spa, shower facilities, comfortable seating areas, a gourmet dining area, a well-stocked bar, and personalized services, making it an ideal place to relax before your flight..

5. TFS Lounge, Chennai Airport: At the airport in Chennai, this is the best airport lounge. It can be found in the Domestic Terminal. Between Gates 1 and 3, you may locate the lounge. The best bar is located in the lounge’s back, despite its simple design. The windows also provide a view of the gates, ensuring that you won’t be late for boarding.

Airlines

Sanctions & Engine Issues Ground Half of Russia’s A320neo fleet

Russia’s aviation sector, already strained by Western sanctions, faces another setback as nearly half of its Airbus A320neo family aircraft are grounded due to unresolved engine issues.

This development highlights the growing challenges for russia commercial aircraft in maintaining their fleets under the weight of global restrictions and limited access to spare parts.

Out of the 66 Airbus A320neo and A321neo jets in Russia, 34 are now out of service, according to the Kommersant business newspaper. These planes are powered by engines manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation.

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The engines are affected by a previously identified defect in the metal used for certain parts, prompting accelerated inspections and maintenance.

Sanctions have compounded the issue, blocking the supply of essential components from major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. Without proper maintenance, experts warn that these aircraft may face decommissioning as early as 2026.

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Airlines like S7, which operates a significant portion of these grounded jets, plan to conserve the engines for future use during peak travel seasons. However, reports suggest that over 20 of S7’s Airbus planes have engines that have already reached the end of their operational lifespan. Recently, russia seeks assistance from kazakhstan’s airlines to bolster its domestic flights.

While some A320neo and A321neo planes in Russia are equipped with French-made LEAP engines, which are seen as less problematic, the challenges remain daunting.

The situation underscores the long-term impact of sanctions on Russia’s aviation sector and the increasing difficulties in keeping its modern fleets operational.