Synopsis- LoungeOne by Adani Digital Labs is changing the way airport lounges are accessed in India, moving away from obsolete aggregator models and providing a real-time, tech-driven platform. It includes technologically advanced features, real-time card validation, direct relationships, and the ability to plug into a wider ecosystem of Adani One. The lounge access transformation is another example of Adani Group setting a new standard in digital experiences for travellers.
India’s airport experience is at the beginning of a learned digital transformation that is being propelled by rapid air travel growth, increased affluence, and demand for effortless, premium services. Today’s traveller is demanding and expects efficiency and personalisation, which especially includes access to airport lounges. Adani Digital Labs observed this shift in demand and launched LoungeOne, its proprietary tech platform, to replace the current third-party systems. It wishes to provide access via direct credit card integration and bring a new level of convenience, transparency, and control over how Indian flyers experience airport hospitality.
Background: Old Model, New Challenges
- The Traditional Lounge Access Model: For a number of years, Indian travellers have availed lounges at the airport through a multitude of third-party aggregators such as DreamFolks, DragonPass, and Priority Pass. While travel aggregators have offered the convenience of access, they also come with inherent flaws.
- The Issues with the Old Access Model: Accessing lounges was simply plagued by denied entries, cloudy criteria for eligibility, outdated access card databases and the continued inconvenience of using multiple apps. Premium credit card memberships were flourishing; with this growth came rising expectations for guaranteed real-time access to lounges.
- End of One Era and the Beginning of a New Era: Adani Digital Labs had partnered with DragonPass until May 2025, when the partnership expired, allowing Adani to introduce their own product—LoungeOne.
What is LoungeOne? Inside the New-Age Platform
LoungeOne.AI is a digital-first booking platform created by Adani Digital Labs to access lounges for travel across Indian airports. It eliminates third-party agents or aggregators and puts passengers back in control of their experience.
Key Features
- Direct Access: Bypass aggregators such as DreamFolks or Priority Pass with direct access to lounges.
- Card Validation: Easily verify lounge eligibility via credit or debit card linkage in real-time.
- Multiple Entry Methods: Use either the QR code generated through LoungeOne.AI or swipe your card at the lounge.
- Available to Fly: Currently available at 16 Adani airports, including Mumbai (T1 & T2), Bengaluru T2, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, etc.
- Bank Partnerships: Partnerships with major banks such as ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, and several more banks will follow.
- Access Networks: Utilises in-house lounges and independent lounges to provide a wide range of access.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Traditional Aggregators | LoungeOne by Adani |
|---|---|---|
| Access Method | Via third-party apps | Direct through LoungeOne portal |
| Eligibility Check | Often outdated or unclear | Real-time, card-linked validation |
| Entry Method | Voucher or swipe via aggregator | Instant QR or card swipe |
| User Experience | Multiple apps, inconsistent | Seamless, mobile-first flow |
| Bank Integration | Indirect via aggregators | Direct with banks (ICICI, Axis) |
Also read: Credit Cards with Annual Fees Under ₹500 – Here are the Top 5 You Need to See
Strategic Significance for Adani and the Travel Ecosystem
- LoungeOne isn’t just a product: It forms an integral part of Adani’s digital transformation strategy. unlike any other “product”, LoungeOne will disrupt the current experience for passengers in Indian airports.
- Inspired by the Fintech Revolution in India: Just as UPI changed the game for digital payments in India, LoungeOne is a genuinely innovative homegrown product that will disrupt a myriad of travel tech in India.
- Part of the Adani One Super-App: LoungeOne is a part of the overarching Adani One platform, which encapsulates flight, food & beverage, parking service and concierge service, and connects them into a travel ecosystem.
- Our Vision as Leaders: According to CEO Arun Bansal, LoungeOne is about delivering the best experiences, built in India, and taking Adani into leadership not just in infrastructure but in digital innovation as well.
The Ripple Effect: Banks, Lounges & Aggregators
- Banks: Better Visibility & Increased Rewards: Banks such as ICICI and Axis get to use the direct tracking of usage to guide loyalty programs and customer insights.
- Lounge Operators: Direct Connection and Cost Saving: Lounge operators manage access more clearly, see increased volumes, and are more in control of agents who take high commissions.
- Aggregators: Declining Importance: Network brands like DreamFolks and Collinson will be disrupted as airports advance towards direct, tech-driven solutions.
- Industry-Wide Impact: All of this will allow other airport operators to use this framework to pursue digitising the airport experience in India as well.
Future Prospects & Expansion
- Geographic Growth: Adani intends to branch LoungeOne out of its 16-airport system to also include non-Adani and international lounges.
- Banking & Loyalty Integrations: Next steps include onboarding banking functions and loyalty programs, as well as a personalized travel experience.
- Unified Travel Ecosystem: At its fullest, Adani One aims to create a seamless digital travel ecosystem with the entire journey chartered from ticket acquisition to boarding through the super-app.
Conclusion
LoungeOne marks a significant step change in the Indian airport hospitality experience—moving away from fragmented, third-party systems and moving to a unified, tech-first environment. As premium travel consolidates and credit card adoption increases in India, LoungeOne is positioned to become the default for lounge access. LoungeOne is more than just a convenience platform; it solidifies Adani Digital Labs as the future-ready leader in India’s rapidly evolving travel tech ecosystem.
Written by N G Sai Rohith
