Bengaluru Airport unveils ‘Gate Z’: A new era of social lounges for modern travellers

Bengaluru: Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has unveiled Gate Z, a next-generation social lounge designed for modern travellers who see travel not just as transit, but as part of their lifestyle.

Located next to the 080 International Lounge in Terminal 2, Gate Z breaks away from the traditional airport lounge format. Instead of quiet corners and formal seating, it offers an open, social-first environment that blends comfort, culture, and community, reflecting how today’s passengers work, relax, connect, and recharge while on the move.

A lounge that feels like a high street rather than a waiting area

Inspired by the energy of a modern high street, Gate Z features fluid pathways, intuitive layouts, and zones designed for interaction as well as calm. Curved seating, ambient lighting, and interactive spaces support everything from working on laptops and casual meetings to unwinding solo before a flight.

The space blends global design trends with local Indian touches across food, art, and décor. A warm colour palette of cyan and burnt orange, streetlamp-inspired lighting, and the use of sustainable materials create a welcoming, contemporary vibe. AI-powered features have also been integrated to enable smoother navigation, personalisation, and greater passenger convenience.

Designed for every travel mood

Gate Z has been created to resonate across generations, from young professionals looking for lively work-and-social zones to seasoned travellers seeking comfort and calm. The lounge adapts to different travel rhythms, whether someone wants to energise, relax, connect, or simply pause.

Key experience zones include:

• Bubble & Brew – A café-bar to kickstart your pre-flight vibe
• The Sipping Lounge – A relaxed space for downtime or conversations
• Subway Diner – A retro-inspired eatery with live counters and high-energy design
• The Amphizone – A modern amphitheatre for screenings, pop-ups, and spontaneous gatherings

George Bennet Kuruvilla, Chief Executive Officer, Bangalore Airport Services Limited (BASL), said Gate Z reflects how travel is experienced today. “Gate Z reflects BLR Airport’s intent to design spaces that respond to how travel is experienced today, as part of a broader lifestyle rather than a moment in transit. Inspired by values of inclusivity, authenticity and connection, the lounge brings together comfort, culture and community in a way that feels intuitive and welcoming across age groups. By inviting young Indians to name Gate Z, we extended this philosophy of co-creation, ensuring the space is shaped by the mindset it represents and remains relevant, expressive and people-first.”

Named by India’s youth

The name Gate Z was chosen through a nationwide naming contest that invited young Indians, such as students, designers, and professionals, to shape the identity of the space. The initiative captured the spirit of inclusivity, creativity, and co-creation that defines the lounge.