Adani Airports CEO Arun Bansal announced that passengers can now access airport lounges directly through Adani Airports’ digital platform, eliminating the need for third-party aggregators. This new system removes the requirement for vouchers, membership cards, or external verification.
Tech-Driven Integration for Seamless Access
The lounge access service has been developed by Adani’s in-house digital lab. It integrates with airport systems and passenger data to enable real-time identity verification. This tech-driven solution allows flyers to walk into lounges with instant authentication, providing a smoother and more secure experience.
aviio App Powers the Digital Shift
In early 2024, Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) launched the aviio app to serve passengers and other stakeholders across the seven Indian airports it operates, including Mangaluru International Airport. The new lounge access feature has now been added to this platform.
Focus on Innovation and Self-Disruption
Commenting on the development, Arun Bansal said the company aims to stay ahead by driving internal innovation. “Only companies that disrupt themselves will survive in a tech-led world,” he stated, highlighting the importance of staying competitive in a rapidly changing aviation environment.
Tensions with Aggregators Like Dreamfolks
The move comes during a time of friction between airport operators and Dreamfolks Services Ltd, a major aggregator for lounge access. Dreamfolks CEO and Chairperson Liberatha Peter Kallat recently accused two leading airport operators of using pressure tactics to disrupt her company’s partnerships with banks.
Allegations of Unfair Competition Surface
Kallat alleged that airport operators with competing lounge access platforms have influenced banks to distance themselves from Dreamfolks. “There is negative PR build-up against Dreamfolks by airport operators… it is high time we tell everybody what was happening,” she said in a recent interview.Shifting Control Over Passenger Services
With Adani Airports now offering a direct channel for lounge entry, control over passenger services is shifting further into the hands of airport operators. The change reflects a growing trend where airport owners are looking to create end-to-end ecosystems that reduce dependency on third parties.
