This Indian airport has a lounge for Gen Z; has chill zones, live counters, and amphitheatre

Airport lounges have long been associated with quiet corners, business travellers and a place to simply wait before boarding.

Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport is looking to change that with Gate Z, a first-of-its-kind Gen Z-inspired social lounge that blends hospitality, dining, entertainment and collaborative spaces into a more immersive travel experience.

Designed around the ideas of comfort, culture and community, Gate Z aims to transform airport dwell time into an experience in itself. While inspired by Gen Z values such as authenticity, inclusivity and self-expression, the lounge has been created for travellers across generations, offering flexible spaces to work, socialise or simply unwind before a flight.

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To understand the vision behind the concept and what makes it different from a conventional airport lounge, Firstpost got in touch with Mr. George Bennet Kuruvilla, Chief Executive Officer - BASL, Bangalore International Airport Ltd., for an exclusive conversation.

A glimpse inside Gate Z, Bengaluru Airport's Gen Z-inspired lounge where contemporary design, vibrant spaces and thoughtful details come together to redefine airport experiences. Firstpost

Q1. What exactly is Gate Z, and what inspired the idea behind it?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: Gate Z is a first-of-its-kind Gen Z-inspired social lounge that reflects the evolving expectations of today's travellers. As travel increasingly becomes part of a broader lifestyle, passengers are seeking spaces that feel intuitive, social and relevant to the way they travel.

Conceived around the principles of comfort, culture and community, Gate Z reimagines the airport lounge as a shared, experience-led environment. While inspired by Gen Z values of authenticity, inclusivity and self-expression, the concept is defined by mindset rather than age.

Q2. What makes Gate Z different from a traditional airport lounge?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: Gate Z has been designed to move beyond the conventional notion of an airport lounge as simply a place to wait before a flight.

It is conceived as a social-first, experience-led destination that brings together hospitality, dining, entertainment and flexible spaces for work or relaxation.

The focus is on creating an environment that feels contemporary, engaging and reflective of the way travellers experience airports today.

Q3. How did you decide on the design elements, seating and entertainment options?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: The design draws inspiration from the energy and vibrancy of a modern high street, translated into an airport environment.

Every aspect of the space, from its fluid layouts and flexible seating to its dining concepts and interactive zones, has been thoughtfully curated to support different travel moments, whether passengers wish to work, socialise, unwind or simply pause before their journey.

The lounge brings together global influences with local touches across design, food and art, while a warm material palette, sustainable finishes and ambient lighting create a welcoming atmosphere.

Signature spaces such as Bubble & Brew, a cafe-bar; The Sipping Lounge, designed for relaxation and conversation; Subway Diner, a retro-inspired eatery with live counters; and The Amphizone, a modern amphitheatre, further contribute to a dynamic environment that evolves with the needs of today's traveller.

Not just a waiting area: Bengaluru Airport's Gate Z has cafés, conversation zones and entertainment spaces. Firstpost

Q4. Are there any digital or interactive features travellers should know about?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: Yes. Technology has been seamlessly integrated into the overall experience through AI-enabled features that support intuitive navigation, greater personalisation and enhanced passenger convenience.

Interactive spaces such as The Amphizone have also been designed to host screenings, pop-ups and community-led activations, creating an environment that is both engaging and adaptable.

Q5. Is Gate Z only for younger travellers, or is it designed for everyone?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: While Gate Z draws inspiration from Gen Z values such as authenticity, inclusivity and self-expression, it has been designed to appeal to travellers across generations.

Whether it is a young professional looking for a collaborative environment or a frequent traveller seeking comfort and a moment of pause, the space adapts to different travel styles and preferences.

The collaborative philosophy behind the concept is also reflected in its name. 'Gate Z' was selected through a nationwide naming contest that invited students, designers and professionals from across India to contribute ideas, reinforcing the spirit of co-creation that underpins the lounge.

Q6. Why did Bengaluru Airport feel the need to create a Gen Z-inspired space?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: Passenger expectations continue to evolve, and airport dwell time has increasingly become part of the overall travel experience. Travellers today are looking for spaces that are more intuitive, connected and reflective of their lifestyles.

Gate Z has been developed in response to these changing expectations.

It reflects BLR Airport's continued focus on creating people-centric experiences while complementing the broader vision of Terminal 2 - a terminal that brings together architecture, culture, sustainability and hospitality to create a destination that feels distinctly Bengaluru.

Q7. Is there an entry fee or membership needed?

George Bennet Kuruvilla: Access to Gate Z is available through eligible lounge access programmes and participating payment or membership partners. Walk-in is available at an attractive rate for the passengers.