Double Win for Bengaluru: BLR Airport T2 Terminal and 080 Domestic Lounge Named Best in India at Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025
Bengaluru’s aviation prowess reached a new pinnacle as Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) secured a massive double victory at the Travel + Leisure India’s Best Awards 2025. In a gala event celebrating the crème de la crème of the travel industry, Terminal 2 (T2) was crowned the Best Domestic Airport, while the 080 Domestic Lounge (T2) took home the honors for Best Domestic Airport Lounge.
The reader-choice awards, held in New Delhi, highlight the “Terminal in a Garden” as the definitive leader in Indian aviation. The 080 Domestic Lounge T2 Bangalore shared its top spot in the lounge category with Delhi’s Encalm Privé, marking a significant win for high-end transit hospitality in India.
The Winners’ Circle: Airports, Airlines & Cruises 2025
The 14th edition of the awards showcased a prestigious list of winners that define luxury travel today. By winning alongside global icons like Singapore Changi and Emirates, BLR Airport has solidified its status as a world-class hub.
| Category | Winner(s) |
| Best Domestic Airport | Kempegowda International Airport (BLR), Terminal 2 |
| Best Domestic Airport Lounge | 080 Domestic Lounge (T2, BLR) & Encalm Privé |
| Best Domestic Airline | Air India |
| Best International Airport | Singapore Changi Airport |
| Best International Airline | Emirates & Singapore Airlines |
| Best International Airport Lounge | Al Mourjan (Doha) & The Centurion® Lounge (Sydney) |
| Best Cruise/Expedition | Celebrity Cruises |
Why BLR T2 and 080 Lounge Sweep the Awards
The success of 080 Domestic Lounge T2 Bangalore is a result of its “Sense of Place” philosophy, which moves away from generic airport design to embrace local culture. Managed by Travel Food Services (TFS) in partnership with BIAL, the lounge has become a global benchmark, recently winning 10 titles at the 2025 FAB Awards in Barcelona.
Cultural Identity: The Music Tree
A centerpiece of the T2 experience is the Music Tree sculpture, a stunning piece hand-carved from Lantana wood by tribal artisans from the Nilgiris. This commitment to local artistry is a major reason why BLR T2 was voted Best Domestic Airport in India.
Luxury Amenities: Cinema Pods and Beyond
The 080 Lounge offers more than just food and seating; it provides a lifestyle experience with 12 curated zones:
- Cinema Pods: Immersive zones for private entertainment.
- Whiskey Lounge: A premium bar offering for connoisseurs.
- Gourmet Dining: Menus curated by Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar featuring regional South Indian delicacies.
Accessing the Best Domestic Airport Lounge in India
With 080 Lounge Bangalore credit card access being a high-interest topic for travelers, the facility continues to offer seamless entry for:
- Premium Cardholders: American Express Platinum, ICICI Emeralde, and top-tier HDFC and Axis Bank cards.
- Global Memberships: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, and DragonPass.
- Premium Flyers: Business Class passengers on airlines like Air India (winner of Best Domestic Airline).
As the Travel + Leisure India Best Awards 2025 winners list proves, the journey via Bengaluru is no longer just a layover, it is a premium destination in its own right.
