Airport Lounge Rules: Airport lounge access is a great comfort for many people. Those with debit or credit cards often enjoy this free access. However, the rules surrounding this feature are set to change significantly. Starting April 2026, free airport lounge access available on many cards could be discontinued or limited.
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In response to rising costs and increased lounge usage, banks and card networks are revamping their rewards systems. This will particularly impact some RuPay debit card users.
Important Update for RuPay Platinum Cardholders
As per the new rules, the free lounge access offered with RuPay Platinum debit cards will be discontinued from April 1, 2026, as directed by the National Payments Corporation of India. This means that cardholders will no longer be able to avail free entry to airport and railway lounges using this card.
Several banks have already informed their customers about this change. These include Punjab National Bank, HDFC Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, and ESAF Small Finance Bank.
Spending Requirements on RuPay Select Cards
While customers holding RuPay Select debit cards will continue to receive lounge access, spending restrictions will apply. Cardholders must spend a certain amount within a specified period to be eligible for lounge access.
Changes for credit card users also apply.
Lounge benefits are also being reduced on some credit cards. For example, Axis Bank has announced that the free domestic lounge visit feature on the Airtel Axis Bank Credit Card will be discontinued from April 2026.
Why are these changes being made?
Airport lounge usage has increased rapidly in the past few years. A large number of card users are taking advantage of this facility, increasing banks’ expenses. Consequently, many banks are now linking these benefits to spending so that only active customers can avail of them.
What should customers do?
If you have a RuPay Platinum debit card, free lounge access will no longer be available after March 31, 2026. RuPay Select cardholders should be aware of their bank’s spending terms.
In addition, credit card users should also understand the new rewards and benefits rules of their cards in advance to avoid any future problems.
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