Bengaluru Airport Unveils ‘Gate Z’, a First-of-its-Kind Gen Z–Inspired Social Lounge
Bengaluru : As airport lounges evolve from mere waiting areas into immersive experience zones, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has launched Gate Z—a first-of-its-kind Gen Z–inspired social lounge that reflects the changing expectations of today’s travellers.
With shifting travel patterns and more time being spent at airports, passengers are increasingly seeking spaces that feel intuitive, social, and aligned with their lifestyles. Gate Z has been designed as a response to this shift, moving beyond the traditional lounge concept to weave comfort, culture, and community into a shared experience.
Gate Z is defined not by age, but by mindset. It represents authenticity, ease, sustainability, and the seamless integration of technology. Located near the 080 International Lounge at Terminal 2, the space draws inspiration from travellers who see journeys as an extension of their broader lifestyle. Inspired by the energy of a modern high street, the lounge features fluid pathways, social-first zones, and an intuitive layout that balances interaction with relaxation.
Curved seating, ambient lighting, and interactive zones support working, unwinding, socialising, or enjoying moments of solitude. Global influences in design, food, and art blend effortlessly with local elements. A warm palette of cyan and burnt orange, streetlamp-inspired lighting, and sustainable materials create a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. AI-enabled features have been seamlessly integrated to enhance personalisation, convenience, and effortless navigation.
While Gate Z draws inspiration from Gen Z values such as inclusion, authenticity, and self-expression, it has been designed to appeal to travellers across age groups—whether young professionals seeking dynamic work-and-social spaces or seasoned travellers who value calm, thoughtfully designed comfort.
As a social-first, experience-driven space, the lounge includes:
Bubble & Brew: A café-bar to energise your pre-flight mindset
The Sipping Lounge: A relaxed space for comfort and conversation
Subway Diner: A lively, retro-inspired diner with live counters
The Amphizone: A modern amphitheatre for screenings, pop-ups, and informal events
The name Gate Z was chosen through a nationwide naming contest that invited young creative minds across India to shape the identity of the space. Entries from students, designers, and professionals reflected the spirit of inclusion and co-creation at the heart of the concept.
Speaking at the launch, George Bennet Kuruvilla, CEO, Bangalore Airport Services Limited (BASL), said:
“Gate Z reflects BLR Airport’s belief that modern travel is not just a transit moment but part of a larger lifestyle. Inspired by values of inclusion, authenticity, and connection, this lounge brings together comfort, culture, and community in a way that feels intuitive and welcoming to all age groups. By inviting young Indians to name Gate Z, we extended this philosophy of co-creation, ensuring the space remains relevant, expressive, and people-centric.”
Gate Z further strengthens BLR Airport’s experience-led design approach at Terminal 2, where architecture, culture, sustainability, and passenger comfort come together. The concept aligns with the terminal’s broader vision of reflecting Bengaluru’s identity while meeting global service and design standards.
With this new lounge, BLR Airport moves beyond the idea of transit, creating inclusive, people-centric spaces that respond to the evolving expectations of modern travellers.