Airports are changing. For many travellers today, the time spent waiting is no longer a gap to be endured but part of the journey itself. Reading, working, socialising, unwinding, and even discovering
new experiences now happen before boarding begins.
Reflecting this shift, Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has introduced Gate Z, a first-of-its-kind social lounge that responds to the evolving expectations of modern travellers.
Designed for a New Travel Mindset
Gate Z is not defined by age but by mindset. It draws from values often associated with Gen Z, such as authenticity, inclusivity, sustainability, and seamless technology, while remaining accessible and appealing across generations. Located next to the 080 International Lounge in Terminal 2, Gate Z reflects how travel has become part of a broader lifestyle rather than a standalone experience.
As waiting time increases and travel rhythms change, passengers are seeking environments that feel intuitive, social, and relevant. Gate Z moves away from the conventional lounge model and instead creates a shared space that blends comfort, culture, and community.
A High-Street Feel Inside the Terminal
Inspired by the energy of a modern high street, Gate Z features fluid pathways, social-first zones, and intuitive layouts that allow travellers to move freely between interaction and pause. The space supports multiple moods, whether someone wants to work, relax, socialise, or enjoy a moment of solitude.
Curved seating, ambient lighting, and interactive zones shape a relaxed yet dynamic atmosphere. A warm colour palette of cyan and burnt orange runs through the space, complemented by streetlamp-inspired lighting and the use of sustainable materials. Global design influences blend seamlessly with local elements across food, art, and interiors, grounding the lounge in Bengaluru’s cultural identity.
AI-led features are integrated subtly to enhance navigation, personalisation, and overall passenger convenience, without disrupting the flow of the space.
A Lounge That Adapts to Different Travel Rhythms
While Gate Z is rooted in Gen Z values, it is designed to resonate across age groups. Young professionals can find energetic work-and-social zones, while seasoned travellers can access calmer pockets designed for comfort and quiet.
The lounge adapts to different travel tempos, allowing passengers to choose how they engage with the space. Gate Z is structured around experience-led zones, each offering a distinct atmosphere.
Bubble & Brew functions as a café-bar designed to set the tone for the pre-flight experience.
The Sipping Lounge offers a relaxed setting for downtime or conversation.
Subway Diner brings a playful, retro-inspired energy with live counters and a high-energy design language.
The Amphizone serves as a modern amphitheatre, hosting screenings, pop-ups, and spontaneous gatherings that turn waiting time into shared moments.
A Name Shaped by Young Creative Voices
The name Gate Z itself emerged from a nationwide naming contest that invited young creatives from across India to participate. Students, designers, and professionals contributed ideas, reinforcing the spirit of inclusivity and co-creation at the heart of the lounge. The process reflected the very values the space represents.
Gate Z aligns with BLR Airport’s broader experience-led approach at Terminal 2, where architecture, sustainability, culture, and passenger comfort intersect. The lounge complements the terminal’s aim to create spaces that feel distinctly Bengaluru while meeting global standards of service and design.
With Gate Z, BLR Airport continues to push beyond the idea of airports as mere transit points. Instead, it positions them as spaces for connection, comfort, and culture, responding to the changing needs of modern travellers and reinforcing a people-first approach to airport design.
