Hyderabad lounges: which one to choose before your flight

Anyone departing on a domestic route finds the Encalm Lounge before security control, near gate 21: besides free snacks and drinks it offers a bar and the chance to book a paid massage. Anyone instead flying an international route has its twin after security control, near gate 23, designed for those who want to stay longer before boarding.The international branch offers a buffet of Indian and international cuisine, shower cubicles and beds and chaise longues for those who really want to rest, plus a small play area for children: it's the more complete of the two Encalm lounges, useful for those with several hours to wait. In both, entry with Priority Pass is the most common route, with direct payment as an alternative; the domestic branch also accepts some credit cards affiliated with lounge programmes, useful for those without a dedicated card. For those looking for a more private setting, the Encalm Privé remains a separate option: opened in January 2025, it has open kitchens with dishes prepared on the spot, a bar with signature cocktails, showers and a spa area. It's not part of the most common lounge networks and doesn't even publish a price for paid entry, a sign of management geared more towards invitation than open to everyone: it's worth checking in advance with your airline whether your ticket grants entry. Anyone flying with Air India on domestic routes finally has its own Air India Maharajah Lounge, near gate 22: it offers free snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi and internet stations, although the most recent reviews note furnishings and some services are no longer as up to date as the airport's other lounges. Entry is reserved for Air India passengers in First or Executive Class departing the same day, First and Business passengers of Star Alliance airlines, and members with the highest status in the airline's or the alliance's loyalty programme.

The simplest difference to remember is this: the two Encalm lounges cover domestic and international departures under the same brand, but with different services between them, while the Encalm Privé is aimed at those looking for a private, quiet setting, after checking the access criteria beforehand. Anyone flying with Air India in a higher class or with a status instead has a dedicated lounge, albeit less up to date than the others, to consider more for logistical convenience than for the level of service offered.