In a surprising move, Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has officially terminated its partnership with DragonPass, the global airport lounge access provider, just a week after announcing the tie-up. The termination, effective immediately, means that DragonPass members will no longer have access to lounges at any Adani-managed airports across India.
The partnership had initially been positioned as a strategic enhancement to the premium travel experience in India, offering DragonPass users access to Adani’s network of airport lounges, along with other key lounges across the country.
Quick Summary:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| 📅 Partnership Announced | Early May 2025 |
| ❌ Termination Date | May 15, 2025 |
| 💼 Companies Involved | Adani Airport Holdings & DragonPass |
| 🎯 Impact | DragonPass users lose access to Adani lounges |
| ✈ Affected Airports | Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, Mangaluru |
| 🔎 Official Reason | Not disclosed |
What Was the Partnership About?
The now-defunct deal between Adani Airport Holdings and DragonPass was announced in early May 2025. Under this agreement:
- DragonPass members were to get access to all Adani-managed airport lounges
- It covered airports such as Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Jaipur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru
- The partnership also extended access to other premium lounges across India
DragonPass, a UK-based global travel services provider, currently operates a vast network giving members access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, in addition to offering other travel perks like dining discounts, airport transfers, and spa services.
Official Statement from Adani Airport Holdings
In a brief but clear statement, Adani Airport Holdings said:
“DragonPass customers will no longer have access to lounges at Adani-managed airports. This change will have no impact on the airport lounge and travel experience for other customers.”
The company has not provided a specific reason for the abrupt termination, nor has DragonPass issued an official comment as of yet.
Impact on Travelers and Lounge Access
While DragonPass users will now lose access to lounges at Adani-managed airports, the group has clarified that:
- All other lounge services at these airports remain fully operational
- The travel experience for non-DragonPass passengers and users of other lounge access programs like Priority Pass, Visa/Mastercard programs, and paid access customers will remain unaffected
Industry Reaction and Possible Reasons
Although no formal cause was disclosed, industry analysts suggest possible reasons could include:
- Contractual disagreements on access terms or revenue sharing
- Exclusivity conflicts with existing banking or lounge access partners
- Strategic shifts in how Adani Group wants to manage premium services and brand alignment across its airport ecosystem
The move comes at a time when airport lounge access has become a major differentiator in the post-pandemic travel landscape, especially as India’s aviation sector continues to grow rapidly.
About Adani Airport Holdings
Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises, managing the operations of 7 major airports across India:
- Mumbai (CSMIA)
- Ahmedabad
- Lucknow
- Guwahati
- Jaipur
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Mangaluru
These airports serve millions of passengers annually and are part of Adani Group’s vision to transform Indian airport infrastructure into global-class travel hubs.
Conclusion: Travelers Advised to Check Lounge Access Status
For frequent fliers using DragonPass, this sudden policy shift may impact lounge access during upcoming flights from Adani airports. Travelers are advised to:
- Confirm lounge eligibility through their travel program or credit card benefits
- Use alternative access programs (e.g., Priority Pass, LoungeKey)
- Check Adani airport lounge websites or counters for real-time updates
As India’s airport and aviation sector evolves rapidly, such shifts in partnerships are likely to continue as operators refine their premium offerings and brand strategies.
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