Collinson International, a global leader in airport experiences and loyalty solutions, has announced a partnership with Kiwi, a leading Credit-on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) fintech platform based in India. This marks a significant first for a UPI app in India, as Kiwi users will now enjoy complimentary access to over 45 airport lounges across 22 airports in the country.

The new initiative allows Kiwi users to earn one free airport lounge visit for every INR 50,000 spent via UPI on the platform. This unique offering eliminates the need for traditional registration, physical cards, or additional memberships. Users can conveniently book lounge access through the Kiwi app, generating a pass or QR code, which can be scanned at the lounge entrance for seamless entry.

Recent research by Collinson International highlights the growing value of travel-related perks among Indian consumers, with airport lounge access ranking as one of the most desired benefits. Nearly half (44 per cent) of respondents identified lounge access as their top travel-related credit card perk, and over 60 per cent (63 per cent) expressed interest in the ability to extend this benefit to guests. In response, Kiwi plans to launch a feature that allows users to share their lounge access with friends, family, or travel companions in the near future.

The report, based on a survey of 7,250 respondents across 14 Asia-Pacific markets, reveals that travel is the second-highest expense for Indian consumers, following ‘everyday spend’ on groceries and retail shopping. Millennials spend the most on travel, with the category making up 34 per cent of their annual budget, while Gen Z, Gen X, and Boomers spend significantly less—USD 2,622, USD 3,059, and USD 2,600 per annum, respectively.

Sumit Prakash, Country Director, India and South Asia, Collinson International, commented, “Linked to an ever-growing travel demand, travel-related benefits are highly valued by Indian travellers. This is resulting in brands, particularly in the financial services sector, having more opportunities to enhance their customer value proposition with relevant travel-led benefits. We are delighted to be partnering with Kiwi to provide access to our airport lounges, and we look forward to welcoming their customers to our network in India moving forward."

Mohit Bedi, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Kiwi, added, “At Kiwi, our goal has always been to redefine what a payments platform can offer. With this pioneering new feature, we aim to integrate premium travel privileges into everyday life while encouraging aspirational and responsible spending. As the first UPI App to offer lounge access, Kiwi is setting a new benchmark in delivering convenience, innovation, and lifestyle value to our users."