Indian Airports Take Lounge Access In-House: What It Means for Dreamfolks and Travelers

Changes in Airport Lounge Service Models in India

Significant shifts are underway in India’s airport lounge service landscape as major players such as Adani Digital, Semolina Kitchens, and Encalm Hospitality have ended their contracts with the prominent lounge access provider, Dreamfolks. These developments are reshaping how travelers gain access to premium airport lounges, with potential ripple effects on both the service provider’s business model and passengers’ travel experiences.

Contract Terminations and Their Timelines

The discontinuation of services by Adani Digital and Semolina Kitchens is set to take effect from September 15, 2025, while Encalm Hospitality will cease operations starting November 1, 2025. These contract terminations directly impact Dreamfolks’ core operations, especially in India’s bustling airports.

Legal Actions and Company Response

In response to these contract losses, Dreamfolks has initiated legal proceedings, filing a petition under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act seeking interim injunctions to protect its interests. Despite this, the company highlights that existing services continue uninterrupted for now, and ongoing engagements with clients remain active.

Dreamfolks’ Strategic Shift

Facing these challenges, Dreamfolks is recalibrating its focus by placing greater emphasis on its global lounge business. Additionally, the company is diversifying its offerings to create sustainable value and mitigate risks stemming from the evolving airport ecosystem.

Airport Operators’ Direct Approach to Lounge Access

Indian airport operators, led by giants like Adani Airports and GMR Airports, are increasingly moving towards directly managing lounge access platforms. This strategic shift eliminates the conventional intermediary role that aggregators like Dreamfolks have filled, signaling a new era in airport service delivery.

This move towards self-managed or partner-assisted lounge platforms is aligned with broader digital transformations, where eliminating middlemen not only optimizes costs but also enhances control over service quality and customer data.

Implications for Banks and Loyalty Programs

Alongside airport operators’ shifts, major banks such as ICICI Bank and Axis Bank, known for their credit cards offering lounge access benefits, have ended their associations with Dreamfolks. Since these banks are among the largest issuers of cards with these perks, the change reflects a broader trend of consolidation and direct service provisioning in the sector.

Market Impact and Public Reaction

These industry changes have led to tangible consequences for Dreamfolks, including a substantial drop in share value, down nearly 69% this year. Despite such setbacks, the company assures the public that it is actively engaging with clients and innovating its service portfolio to adapt to the new dynamics.

The Bigger Picture for Travelers

At a glance, the ripple effects might seem primarily business-focused. However, travelers should note that airport lounge access — often a valued perk during airport waits — is evolving in how it is delivered. Direct management by airports might lead to changes in access protocols, availability, and pricing.

What This Means for Taxi and Transfer Services

Changes in airport lounge access can indirectly influence travel routines, including transfers and taxi bookings. For instance, passengers might adjust arrival times, lounge usage, or waiting durations, affecting transfer schedules. Providers like GetTransfer.com offer the advantage of transparency and choice, allowing users to pick from diverse vehicles and drivers, accommodating any alterations in their airport experience seamlessly.

Resumo dos principais desenvolvimentos

• Adani Digital, Semolina Kitchens, and Encalm Hospitality have terminated their contracts with Dreamfolks, effective late 2025.
• Dreamfolks is focusing on global lounges and diversifying its offerings amid operational challenges.
• Major Indian airport operators are opting to control lounge access directly, sidelining intermediaries.
• ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have ended Lounge service partnerships with Dreamfolks.
• These changes have led to a significant decline in Dreamfolks’ stock market performance.

Personal Experience Versus Reviews: Navigating Lounge and Transfer Choices

While industry reports and reviews provide helpful insights, they can never replace firsthand experience. When it comes to airport transfers and lounge access, the right service often depends on individual needs and preferences. Platforms like GetTransfer empower travelers by connecting them with verified providers offering competitive fares and a broad selection of vehicles, from private cars to spacious 7-seaters. This transparency, paired with a user-friendly booking process, helps avoid costly surprises and ensures travelers enjoy reliable, comfortable taxi and transfer services in tune with their airport experiences.

Reserve já a sua viagem em GetTransfer.com and make your journey smoother from airport to city center and beyond.

Looking Ahead: What Could These Changes Mean for Indian Travel?

On a global scale, the shift towards airport-controlled lounge access might not drastically reshape tourism flows but marks a notable evolution in service delivery and passenger experience. By removing intermediaries, airports aim to streamline services, potentially setting a precedent other regions could follow. For travelers, being able to book transfers with services like GetTransfer becomes ever more valuable, offering reliable, transparent options amidst evolving airport landscapes. Comece a planear a sua próxima aventura e assegure o seu transfer mundial com a GetTransfer.

Conclusions: Navigating the New Airport Lounge and Transfer Ecosystem

The transition in India’s airport lounge management speaks to a broader shift toward streamlined, direct service models in the travel industry. While this poses challenges for traditional aggregators like Dreamfolks, it opens doors to tailored, diversified offerings on a global scale. Travelers stand to benefit from clearer choices and potentially enhanced lounge experiences, but must stay informed and flexible. Integrating this with efficient, transparent taxi and transfer bookings — including pre-selecting vehicle types and reviewing driver credentials on platforms such as GetTransfer.com — ensures a seamless door-to-door journey. By embracing these tools, travelers can confidently navigate changing airport environments, optimizing comfort, timing, and price for each trip.