BA Unveils New Airport Lounge Concept With Miami, Dubai Openings

British Airways (BA) opened lounges at Miami International (MIA) and Dubai International (DXB) airports, unveiling a new design concept the airline said will be used for future lounges.

BA said the new lounges debut a “cohesive architectural identity” to be duplicated in its airport lounges around the world, while also incorporating local characteristics. The carrier said the MIA and DUB lounges mark “a significant step change in the airline's premium offering.”

The MIA lounge spans 13,000 ft.², making it the largest BA lounge outside of a London airport. BA previously did not have its own lounge at the South Florida airport that serves as a hub for Oneworld partner American Airlines.

The MIA lounge is located in Terminal E, directly above BA’s departure gate at the airport. “The space is a celebration of the airline's British originality, charm and wit, combined with features that have taken inspiration from the city, such as its Art Deco design and iconic buildings,” BA said. “With large windows along its walls, this lounge has sweeping views across the airfield and makes use of the beautiful Miami skies and light.”

The lounge is divided into five zones, including a central bar, a main dining space, “focus pods” for passengers doing work and “a lowered central lounge with partitions for those looking for a private space,” BA said. The lounge also includes two shower suites.

Passengers traveling in first class on the Airbus A380s BA uses to fly between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and MIA will have access to the Concorde Dining Room, which BA said has more personalized service and “includes a range of dishes such as Wagyu beef strip loin with roasted trumpet mushrooms and a truffle reduction or roasted diver scallops.”

BA will ramp up to 2X-daily A380 service on the LHR-MIA route from Oct. 26, offering 13,132 two-way weekly seats, according to OAG Schedules Analyzer data.

The DXB lounge, located in the airport’s Terminal 1, spans 5,800 sq. ft. “The new space nods to traditional Middle Eastern style, featuring sweeping arches, patterned metal paneling and mirrored walls that have taken inspiration from local architecture,” BA said.

As with the MIA lounge, a full-service bar serves as the focal point and first-class passengers have access to an exclusive Concorde Dining Room. The lounge also has “a dedicated self-serving dining area offering a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes and cheeseboard,” BA said.

BA currently operates 10,568 two-way weekly seats between LHR and DXB and will increase its offering to 13,734 two-way weekly seats on the route from Nov. 2, according to OAG data.