DragonPass had been offering its services at Adani’s airports as part of a limited arrangement meant to enhance the experience of international travelers and cardholders.
In a significant setback for China after it helped Pakistan attack India with its drones during the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) has ended its partnership with DragonPass, a China-based firm known for offering airport lounge access and other travel-related services to its global members.
The announcement came on Thursday, with AAHL confirming that DragonPass users will no longer be able to access lounges at any of its managed airports across India. This includes key hubs like Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which also issued a formal statement regarding the termination.
“Lounge access through DragonPass will no longer be valid at any Adani-managed airports. However, this update will not affect the travel or lounge experience for any other category of passengers,” an AAHL spokesperson clarified.
This development coincides with growing scrutiny over foreign service providers, especially those from nations seen as aligning with Pakistan in the wake of India’s recent Operation Sindoor, a military response to the tragic killing of 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The operation has stirred a wave of national sentiment, prompting swift government and corporate actions.
In a related incident, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has withdrawn the security clearance of Celebi Airport Services India Pvt Ltd, a Turkish ground handling firm. The move was reportedly driven by national security considerations and came after strong reactions from political leaders and public figures.
DragonPass had been offering its services at Adani’s airports as part of a limited arrangement meant to enhance the experience of international travelers and cardholders. However, with shifting geopolitical dynamics and heightened national interest, AAHL appears to be re-evaluating its affiliations with global service partners.
Adani Airport Holdings currently oversees operations at seven major airports in India, including those in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Guwahati, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram.
(With inputs from agencies)
