Terrible Experience at Raja Bhoj International Airport, Bhopal
I had an extremely disappointing experience at Raja Bhoj International Airport, Bhopal, particularly in terms of hospitality and lounge services.
Unreasonable Lounge Access Restrictions
My flight to Pune was scheduled at 3:40 AM, and since I was traveling from another city, I arrived at the airport around 11:00 PM—a reasonable time given the circumstances. However, I was denied access to the lounge and forced to wait for nearly 1.5 hours in the common waiting area. The staff insisted that I could only check into the lounge once the boarding process began at 12:40 AM, which made no sense, considering that lounges are meant for passenger comfort before check-in.
Unprofessional Onboarding Staff & Delayed Security Check:
Adding to the frustration, the boarding process was delayed because the onboarding staff was indulging in an ice cream treat during duty hours while passengers were waiting. This unprofessional behavior resulted in further delays, taking another 30+ minutes for the security check to even open, causing unnecessary exhaustion after an already long journey.
Lounge Scam: Hidden Charges & Card Rejections
Once I was finally allowed into the so-called "lounge" after nearly 2.5 hours of waiting, the experience only got worse. The lounge staff denied entry using almost all credit/debit cards, claiming they were discontinued or not accepted. Despite carrying 11 different cards, only one SBI card worked —which seemed highly suspicious. Instead, the staff pushed for cash payments, and when I paid ₹400 in cash, they refused to provide a receipt. This clearly indicates a scam running at the airport, exploiting passengers who are already exhausted.
Poor Facilities & Unhygienic Environment:
The lounge itself was a disaster—a tiny, room with barely any space to move. There was only one attendant handling everything: checking cards, preparing tea, making sandwiches, and attending to customers. Shockingly, he seemed to be intoxicated, further adding to the discomfort. The food options were pathetic—for ₹400, all I got was tea/coffee and a basic sandwich or toast. No proper meals, no trained staff, and absolutely no value for money.
Additionally, I witnessed the same attendant engaging in off-the-books transactions, allowing people to enter by paying a smaller amount outside the lounge, without receipts. This lack of transparency and professionalism is unacceptable at any airport, let alone an international one.
The worst lounge experience of my life. The lack of professionalism, unethical practices, poor hospitality, and dismal facilities made my 4+ hour at this airport a nightmare. If you’re traveling through Raja Bhoj International Airpor, do not expect any form of comfort or proper service.
I strongly urge airport authorities to investigate and take strict action against such mismanagement. Until then, I highly recommend avoiding this lounge and preparing for a below-average experience at this airport.