India’s Premier Airport Lounges: Encalm and Adani Leading the Hospitality Game
In India, the airport lounges with high valuations are those operated by prominent brands like Encalm Hospitality Private Limited and Adani Airport Holdings Limited, particularly at major hubs like Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
1. Adani Lounge (Formerly GVK Lounge) – Mumbai T2
- Operator: Adani Airport Holdings Limited
- Valuation Factors:
- Strategically located at one of India’s busiest airports, the Adani Lounge caters to first-class and business-class travelers.
- Luxurious offerings include gourmet meals, a dedicated spa, concierge services, and private spaces for relaxation.
- The Adani Group’s substantial investments in premium airport infrastructure have elevated this lounge’s status.
- Passenger Traffic: Mumbai Airport sees significant international and domestic passenger movement, boosting the lounge’s high usage and valuation.
2. Encalm Lounge – Delhi T3
- Operator: Encalm Hospitality Private Limited (since replacing Plaza Premium in 2022)
- Key Offerings:
- A 30,000 sq. ft. lounge featuring live food counters, gaming zones, a business center, a spa, and a fully equipped gym.
- Exclusive services like the “Atithya” assistance program and “Travel Buddy” service cater to diverse traveler needs.
- Expansion: Encalm is growing its presence in airports like Hyderabad and Goa and aims to operate 21 lounges by 2025.
- Daily Footfall: Handles approximately 10,000 passengers per day in Delhi alone, with credit card partnerships driving foot traffic.
3. Adani Group’s Emerging Dominance
- The Adani Group is rapidly becoming a key player in India’s airport hospitality sector, managing lounges across eight major airports, including Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur.
- Their strategy involves upgrading lounge facilities to cater to high-net-worth individuals and premium travelers.
Key Trends Driving Valuation:
- Rising Passenger Traffic: Post-pandemic recovery and increasing air travel demand have significantly boosted lounge usage across India.
- Premium Partnerships: Collaborations with credit card companies and airlines ensure a steady inflow of high-value travelers.
- Luxurious Amenities: Both Adani and Encalm focus on international-grade offerings, raising customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
- Expansion Plans: Operators like Encalm aim to expand aggressively, while Adani is integrating premium lounges across its growing airport portfolio.
This report reflects the current dynamics in India’s airport lounge market, highlighting Adani and Encalm Hospitality as the leading players in terms of service quality, passenger appeal, and market presence.