Elysian Lounge

Bank-card holders pack this 24/7 Elysian Lounge near Gate 5A

On the ground floor of PNQ’s NITB, just past security near Gate 5A, Elysian Lounge runs 24 hours and functions as the main contract lounge for domestic departures. Access works with Priority Pass and several Indian bank cards, so expect a steady flow of passengers from early morning until the late-night departure banks.

Entry rules matter here: Mastercard’s listing caps visits at a 2-hour stay, and staff do watch the time during obvious peaks, especially in the 7–10 p.m. domestic rush. It sits airside in Domestic Departures, so you must clear security before following signs toward Gate 5A on the ground floor.

Food is basic but functional: reviewers describe a small Indian buffet with limited rotation, so hitting it twice in one day means seeing the same dishes again. Soft drinks, tea, coffee and snacks come included with access, while an à-la-carte menu is available as a paid extra if you want something off-buffet.

Alcohol catches first-timers off guard. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews note that beer and other alcoholic drinks are always chargeable here, even for Priority Pass or bank-card guests, and the surprise usually lands when the bill shows up after you thought your visit was fully covered.

Seating is the real pinch point. Guests repeatedly call the lounge “super crowded and noisy,” especially during evening bank-card waves, with reports of long entry queues and “hardly any seats left” once inside. Solo travelers often give up on sofas and go straight for bar-counter style seats along the walls to claim any available spot.

Amenities keep it functional rather than premium: Mastercard lists complimentary Wi‑Fi and flight information screens, and reviews mention power outlets near some seating clusters. There’s no sign of showers, and several guests complain of slow table clearing when the lounge is full, with used plates piling up on side tables.

Regulars use Elysian as a quick pit stop, not a hangout. Many grab one buffet plate, a coffee or soft drink, use the Wi‑Fi to clear messages, then head back to the general gate seating near Gate 5A to escape the noise once they’re done eating.

Tip: If you have Priority Pass or a bank card, aim to arrive outside the 7–10 p.m. peak and walk directly to the ground floor near Gate 5A; skipping the upper-level wander can save 10–15 minutes of backtracking in the new terminal.