Gallery: New and Reopened Lounges Offer Many Options

The fifth Delta Sky Club at the airline’s Detroit hub opened to travelers Dec. 7. Delta’s newest Club in Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) features premium beverage offerings like Motor City-made microbrews, along with curated pieces of art from local artists that reflect the beauty and innovation of Detroit. Opening in time for holiday travel, the 4,600-sq.-ft. space near gate A43 seats up to 100 guests and overlooks the concourse and the existing main Club.

Star Alliance is offering pay-per-use access to its lounge at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) airport. Besides providing complimentary access for eligible customers, the lounge will now also welcome other Star Alliance passengers regardless of membership status or cabin class, for a nominal fee. 

The lounge is located in the Intra-Schengen zone in Terminal 3 of FCO. It welcomes passengers of all flights operated by Star Alliance members from Fiumicino Airport, and is convenient for customers traveling within the European Schengen Zone.
 

Plaza Premium Group opened a new lounge in Terminal C at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December 2022. The new lounge is designed to be aesthetically pleasing using architecturally-inspired designs and materials while offering functionality for business travelers and families with small children.
 

No1 Lounges has reopened the Clubrooms at Gatwick North Terminal, which are open from 7am-2pm daily. The Clubrooms offer hosted table service, freshly made-to-order food dishes and premium beverages.
 

American Airlines and British Airways welcomed customers to the newly renovated Terminal 8 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Dec. 1, representing a $400 million investment. 

Operational enhancements of Terminal 8 include five new widebody gates, four new widebody parking positions, and an expanded and upgraded baggage handling system that will together support additional transatlantic flights. The terminal has also been expanded with approximately 130,000 sq. ft. of additional and refurbished space.

This marks the completion of the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s redevelopment of the airport.
 

Dubai International (DXB) has opened Game Space, which is located in the heart of DXB Family Zone at B Gates in Terminal 3. The space features 40 game stations, each of which has 50-in. screens and side-by-side seating for either solo or multi-player gaming. 

Key hardware for 20 of the 40 gaming stations will be provided by Republic of Gamers (ROG), an ASUS sub-brand that created hardware and software. 
 

Airport Dimensions opened its second sleep ’n fly lounge at Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar. 

Located at North Node, opposite Gates 30-31, the new 420 sq m lounge can accommodate more than 50 guests at any one time. The lounge features a choice of sleep options for guests, including sleep ’n fly’s flagship FlexiSuite pods, bunk and family cabins as well as dedicated power nap and economy pods. Shower and toilet facilities are also available.

Features also include comfortable seating in a waiting area as well as a dedicated retail space selling travel essentials such as sleep ’n fly’s signature neck hoodies, eco dental and shaving kits, travel slippers, teddy bears and more.
 

Plaza Premium Group opened the new Blush Lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport. The Blush Lounge is located at Terminal 4 and can accommodate up to 105 passengers at a time. The lounge has a spacious entrance lobby, which leads to a cozy space, with several seats overlooking the runway. The lounge also offers a buffet spread with a selection of food and drinks, with koshered meals available upon request. A wine menu is also available.
 

No1 Lounge is reopening at the Birmingham Airport Dec. 15, 2021 from 5am-1pm daily. New measures are in place aimed to keep passengers safe with a high standard of cleanliness and hand sanitizing stations. A new high-quality simplified menu reduces interaction and minimizes contact. The lounge is capacity controlled.

Alaska Airlines continues to refresh its lounges with new spaces and amenities. 

Alaska has opened its expanded C Concourse Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. With an additional 3,000 sq. ft., we've doubled the seating space with enough room for 60 more seats. Great views of the tarmac remain unchanged. 

On Jan 7, 2023, the second phase of renovations in Seattle begins after the D Concourse Lounge closes for a complete overhaul. It's set to reopen in summer 2023. The location will have 30% more seating, a new barista station, new food and beverage offerings, and an improved layout.

At Alaska’s Lounges in Los Angeles and San Francisco, the airline is brightening the spaces with modern furniture and other touches. New artwork by local artists are featured at LAX.

Alaska invested $1.5 million for Lounge upgrades in Portland this year. Along with expanding its current Lounge by 1,000 sq. ft. with the addition of an enclosed patio area, the Seattle-based carrier has added an Express Lounge at Concourse B. 
 

Qatar Airways reopened its Premium Lounge for Qatar Airways and oneworld passengers traveling in First and Business Class departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok.

The lounge overlooks the airports’ gardens and views of the terminal’s external architecture. Dedicated facilities allow passengers to revitalize before starting their travels; showers are available.

The Premium Lounge features two expansive dining areas—The Brasserie for a formal dining experience offering a range of international cuisines from an à la carte menu and The Global Deli for a more relaxed buffet style dining. The buffet features a selection of hot and cold dishes and an appetizer selection of some of the renowned Arabic classics including tabbouleh, hummus and muhamara.  
 

Plaza Premium Group has opened “Their Patio,” the first co-working lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Centrally located next to Dubai Duty-Free in the Arrivals floor of Terminal 3, DXB, Their Patio offers a combination of two concepts, “work-from-anywhere” and “shared workspace.” The lounge is open to all travelers—solo, group leisure or business travelers—providing a mixture of shared space and meeting rooms for like-minded individuals in a collaborative environment.

The 523 sq m venue features a wide range of healthy F&B offerings, concierge service, meeting rooms and a conference room, a co-working space, printing & photocopying and also includes a separate business Consultancy Center for all, Business Set up & sponsorship Visa & residency inquiries, Accountancy, VAT along with several other facilities for passengers.
 

United Airlines opened a new club concept at Denver International Airport (DEN) designed for busy travelers who want to grab a snack, beverage or barista-made coffee on the way to their flight. United Club Fly is a first-of-its-kind concept for a US airline and gives the option to the more than half of airport club and lounge visitors who like to take snacks to go. New club coincides with the opening of the Concourse B expansion at DEN. 
 

Swissport is set to open a new ASPIRE Lounge at Toronto City Airport (YTZ) in early 2023. The lounge aims to extend the vibrancy of downtown Toronto to the airport located on the Toronto Islands. It will be the tenth lounge in North America following the recent opening of three new lounges in California, this year. 

The new ASPIRE Lounge at YTZ will offer a high-end hot and cold culinary selection and a wide choice of beverages including local wines, beers, and spirits. Fresh croissants, pastries and breads baked on the day will be offered. And for passengers short on time, a comprehensive ASPIRE-To-Go takeaway menu will be a truly unique offering. For business travelers, the lounge’s walls, tables, and counters are fitted with multiple electrical outlets, USB ports, and NFC chargers for charging on the go. In addition, a meeting room and private work room will be available.
 

Air France inaugurated a new spa in partnership with the French beauty and skincare specialist Clarins in the New York-JFK lounge. This new space spanning 30 sq. m (323 sq. ft.) is reserved for La Première, Business and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers who wish to relax before their flight or during transit.

There are two private beauty booths where Air France customers can choose from a selection of three complimentary face treatments lasting 20 minutes: “Jet Lag Relief’, “Detox time” and “Eye-Must” treatments. These beauty rituals for men and women, designed to relieve tension and promote relaxation, are proposed for 30 minutes to La Première customers exclusively, who can also enjoy a “Relax and reset” treatment designed by Clarins for Air France. 
 

Scotland’s Glasgow Airport will open a new 700 sq m lounge bar restaurant, the Bird & Signet, in its departure lounge at the end of October 2022. The Bird & Signet—formerly Sanderling Bar—is expected to accommodate up to 500 customers. According to the airport, the venue’s décor takes inspiration from the city’s history and culture, with color schemes drawn from the Glasgow Corporation buses and subway, while greenery is also a feature to illustrate Glasgow’s literal Dear Green Place Gaelic translation.

 

Qatar Airways has opened a new Frequent Flyer Lounge and a Premium Lounge in Terminal 4 at London Heathrow Airport. The Frequent Flyer Lounge is exclusively for Privilege Club members and oneworld alliance partners. Situated in Terminal 4, located a floor below the Premium Lounge, the Frequent Flyer Lounge is open to Qatar Airways Privilege Club members, with access extending to Joint Business partners like British Airways Executive Club members, and other oneworld Alliance loyalty members. The lounge features modern interiors overlooking the tarmac. Eligible customers can indulge in a menu comprising of a hot and cold buffet selection and a range of beverages. The Premium Lounge, also in Terminal 4, has reopened its doors to Qatar Airways’ first and business class passengers. The premium lounge features elegant seating areas, tarmac views, a martini bar, a dedicated family area, prayer room and diverse dining options including a full buffet and an à la carte menu served to fine dining standards at the brasserie and casual dining at the Global Deli.

SkyTeam has reopened a redesigned Sydney Lounge with enhanced sustainability features. With floor-to-ceiling windows offering views across the runway and an abundance of plants bringing the outside in, the fresh, airy space is lighter and brighter. The lounge offers 149 chairs and ottomans for customers to sit back and put their feet up, which have been reupholstered using GREENGUARD certified upholstery to reduce landfill waste. Restful blue hues combined with natural wooden tones combine to make the new lounge a perfect place to relax and unwind, while a business area is on hand for those needing to catch up.

UK LCC easyJet is offering FLEXIfare customers a chance to enjoy pre-departure access to easyJet’s Gateway Lounge at London Gatwick Airport (LGW). EasyJet’s first airport lounge, which opened its doors last summer, is the first airport lounge in collaboration with No1 Lounges at the North Terminal at LGW. The offer, which is being trialed from Sept. 1 until Nov. 30, is also available to any FLEXIfare customers who have already booked to travel between these dates. New and existing customers traveling between those dates who book a FLEXIfare will automatically receive up to three hours of access to The Gateway Lounge available every day from 6am.

Plaza Premium Group (PPG) opened a 760 sq m lounge at Scotland’s Edinburgh Airport. Located in Departure Hall, Level 1, the lounge accommodates up to 165 guests and features Scottish accents to include local traditional tartan fabrics, woods and a selection of local artwork referencing key Scottish landmarks and iconic imagery. Edinburgh Plaza Premium Lounge offers a signature Edinburgh Gin Bar (pictured) and exclusive services. Local suppliers have provided furniture and materials to minimize the environmental impact. The lighting scheme is comprised of 100% LED lighting, and the lounge is installed with energy-efficient appliances.

Star Alliance expanded its paid lounge access service to its lounge at the Rio De Janeiro (GIG) airport. Besides complimentary access for Star Alliance Gold customers and passengers in eligible cabin classes on Star Alliance member airlines, the lounge will now also welcome all other Star Alliance passengers regardless of membership status or cabin class, for a nominal fee. For those who can already access the lounge, this now means they have the option to purchase access vouchers for family members, friend or colleagues traveling together. Located on level 3 of the new international departures’ pier, the Star Alliance Rio De Janeiro lounge offers views of famous landmarks such as Rio’s downtown area, the Sugar Loaf Mountain and the majestic statue of Christ the Redeemer. Its interiors reflect the rich architectural heritage of Rio, complemented by impressive handmade Brazilian furniture pieces crafted by local designers. The lounge also offers refreshments inspired by local flavors and can accommodate 150 guests. This is the third of six Star Alliance lounges to offer paid access: others include lounges in Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), Buenos Aires, and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The Qantas Los Angeles International (LAX) First Lounge reopened Aug. 11 as the Australian flag carrier ramps up Airbus A380 service from Sydney and LAX. The lounge features a marbled entrance that gives way to a light-filled atrium, and an open kitchen overlooks the 74-seat a la carte restaurant. Private suites, showers with Aurora Spa amenities and Wi-Fi are also available.

American Airlines will redesign its Admirals Club lounges across the US, with the first multi-year project to kick off at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in the fall. Admirals Club lounges currently in the works include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Chicago-based DMAC Architecture & Interiors is designing the lounges that include signature brand elements, wellness and sustainability. Local landscapes and landmarks will tell the story of each city and create a sense of place; wellness will uniquely shine through selective design elements that set a tone of calm and familiarity; and sustainability is also built into the new design in intentional ways, such as branded elements made of renewable American walnut in every lounge.

Delta Air Lines is opening its first Delta Sky Club at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND)—the Atlanta-based carrier’s third lounge that includes Terminal C at New York’s LaGuardia and Terminal 3 at Los Angeles International airports. Located on the fifth floor of HND Terminal 3, the Club features a premium bar serving seasonal cocktails, wines, beers, spirits and Japanese sake. Other features of the over-9,000-sq-ft Club include many seating options that include power outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as five premium shower rooms. Visitors to the Club will enjoy unique design touches that celebrate Japanese culture, curated artwork and rich interiors reflective of traditional Japanese patterns and textures. Expansive windows provide panoramic views of the airfield and city skyline and, on clear days, a distant view of Japan’s most famous natural landmark, Mount Fuji.

London Stansted Airport completed a £12 million ($14.4 million) lounge upgrade to its international departure lounge. The upgrade not only boosts the choice of bars, restaurants and retail outlets on offer but also provides additional seating for passengers in the central area of the lounge.

Emirates Airline reopened its lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth in July 2022; however, Brisbane lounge will remain closed. All Emirates lounges are open to Emirates business- and first-class travelers as well as Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members and business- and first-class passengers on Qantas flights, plus Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One members.

After two years of closure, No1 Lounges has reopened My Lounge at Gatwick Airport South Terminal on July 20, 2022. The lounge features runway views, an outdoor terrace, comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, digital newspapers and magazines, Wi-fi and charging ports. My Lounge is located on the Upper Level (after security) at Gatwick South Terminal.

Qatar Airways has unveiled three lounges—Platinum, Gold and Silver—at Hamad International Airport (HIA), inviting Privilege Club loyalty members and oneworld alliance card holders to access the dedicated lounge corresponding to their frequent flyer tier status when transiting through Doha. Qatar Airways Platinum Lounge South is located on concourse A for Platinum loyalty members and oneworld Emerald card holders. The lounge accommodates up to 140 passengers, and is equipped with a quiet area, a prayer room, a bar, a restaurant and showers. Qatar Airways Gold Lounge South is located on concourse A for Gold loyalty members and oneworld Sapphire card holders. The newly inaugurated lounge can accommodate up to 85 passengers and offers an array of services including family seating, a bar, a dining area, a full buffet dining experience, showers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Qatar Airways Silver Lounge South is located on concourse B for Silver loyalty members. First opened in March 2022, the lounge accommodates up to 195 passengers, offering meeting rooms, a family area, a quiet area, buffet dining and baggage storage facilities.

Copa Airlines opened an expansive new Copa Club at Tocumen International Airport. The opening of the new lounge is the result of the airlines' moving operations to the new Terminal 2 (T2), which is now fully open to the public. Inspired by a modern Latin American hacienda, the new Copa Club’s design incorporates unique Panamanian elements, paying homage to the airlines’ home base. The more than 20,000 sq. ft. lounge offers comfortable seating for 420 guests and features flexible quiet spaces to work and unwind with soft lighting and leather chairs along with an entertainment area for families, bar and culinary offerings, including a variety of snacks and buffet service with a menu of select appetizers. Showers are also available for guests who need to refresh between flights. A highlight of the Copa Club is La Placita, a replica of an interior courtyard and terrace with expansive views of the airport. The lounge is located across from Gate 207 in T2.

After two years of closure, No1 Lounges will reopen the Clubrooms lounge at Birmingham Airport July 6. The lounge will be open from 8am-4pm daily. The lounge offers runway views; comfortable seating in the private member's club inspired space; complimentary food and drinks, all served via table service; digital newspapers and magazines; Wi-fi; and charging ports.

Plaza Premium Group opened its first airport lounge in Germany, located in Frankfurt International Airport’s Terminal 2 in the International Departures area, by Gate D8. The new lounge is open daily and can seat 107 guests. It offers shower facilities and complementary refreshments. Additional services include a fully serviced bar with a wide variety of drinks, unlimited high-speed Wi-Fi and TVs throughout the lounge showing the latest news and sports.

Two new Aspire lounges have opened at Southern California’s Ontario International Airport (ONT) under a partnership with the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) and Swissport International. The all-inclusive premium airport lounges (one in

Singapore Airlines (SIA) unveiled its all-new flagship SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3, following a S$50 million ($37 million) re-design, upgrade, and expansion project. The Private Room, the First Class section of the SilverKris Lounge, the Business Class section of the SilverKris Lounge, and the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge can collectively accommodate around 1,150 customers within their 6,100 sq-m space, translating to 30% more seats and space. This also doubles previous capacity.

United Airlines is opening its new, nearly 30,000 sq.-ft. United Club location at Newark Liberty International Airport, offering travelers a modern design, enhanced amenities and culinary offerings, locally sourced art and furniture pieces and views of the Manhattan skyline. Located in Terminal C3 near gate C123, this is the largest club in United’s network. The Newark United Club location features a new design and reflects a modern take on the United Club experience. It showcases many firsts for the club, as well as existing premium offering, including more than 480 seats; spa-like showers; and a coffee shop experience. The space also includes modern amenities, like self-scan entry for quick access and free, high-speed Wi-Fi.

Plaza Premium Group opened its first Plaza Premium Lounge in Scotland at Edinburgh Airport. The lounge features the Group’s first gin bar in collaboration with Edinburgh Gin, a Premium Gin distilled in Edinburgh by Ian Macleod Distillers. The 670 sq m lounge can accommodate 165 passengers of all ages. Its interior features warm colors and plush seating to provide a cosy atmosphere, while subtle Scottish elements are woven into the design, from tartan upholstery to carefully selected local artwork referencing key Scottish landmarks and iconic imagery. There is a family-friendly “Interactive Area,” which provides shuffleboard, foosball and large screens showing live sports and entertainment. Interactive wall games and a small climbing wall will also keep children entertained and occupied during their wait for flights.

Jumeirah Group opened the Jumeirah Airport Lounge at Dubai International (DXB), located in DXB Terminal 3 Arrivals. Three zones include a welcome space with dedicated check-in and transportation services; a waiting area to relax and eat, as well as its signature resident barista coffee experience; and a private VIP room with personalized services by a dedicated guest relations and butler service team. Other features include a large shower and array of Amouage luxury bath and body amenities, as well as luggage transfer directly to their room.

Swissport is accelerating the global expansion of its Aspire Airport Lounges brand. With the opening of four lounges in Perth (Australia), Manchester (UK), Geneva (Switzerland) and Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) between January and March 2022, and now three additional lounges in the US, the Aspire network will grow to 64 locations worldwide by the end of May, giving the brand a growing and increasingly visible presence at airports around the world. The fully refurbished former Airspace Lounge at San Diego International Airport, California, opened its doors in February as an Aspire Lounge. It is accessible to all passengers departing from Terminal 2. In addition, two more Aspire lounges will open their doors on 19 May at Terminals 2 and 4 at Ontario International Airport, one of the airports serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area in Southern California.

The Delta Sky Club at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), located on the departures level between T2 and T3, has opened in April 2022. At over 30,000 sq. ft., the Delta Sky Club at LAX Sky Way is one of the largest in the Delta network, with ample space for guests to retreat, relax and recharge. The lounge is outfitted with seating options to accommodate a wide variety of travelers, including private phone booths for quiet work and theater-style seating for viewing the media wall. Club restroom amenities have been optimized for guest comfort and privacy and include a nursing room, oversized family restrooms and eight spacious showers managed via a virtual queuing system.

LATAM Group opened its LATAM Lounge, a renewed space for its preferred passengers and LATAM’s partner airline members at Santiago airport to wait for their departure or connection. The new space, which replaces the old VIP lounge, will offer a more sustainable service with a Latin American influence. The sustainable attributes include the use of 80% renewable energy for its operation, interactive games with educational themes surrounding recycling and conservation and waste reduction is encouraged through recycling and reuse. This new lounge will also compensate its carbon footprint through of unique ecosystem conservation projects in the South America. The new lounge is located in the new Terminal 2 of the Santiago airport, and it is available to all passengers with the LATAM benefits program in the Black Signature, Black and Platinum categories, for flights in premium cabin, alliance customers and Business partners, traveling on international flights, or making stopovers in Chile.

Plaza Premium Group and dnata’s airport hospitality brand marhaba entered into a joint venture agreement to expand their international offering. The first project will see the development of the new marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. With the lounge development already in progress, the new marhaba Plaza Premium Lounge at Queen Alia International Airport is expected to open in July 2022. The lounge will have a capacity of 140 guests and is inspired by the beautiful landscape of Amman, with subtle inclusion of the local culture and heritage in its design.

Greece flag carrier Aegean Airlines opened a new business lounge, located in the extra Schengen area of Athens International Airport, on April 2, 2022. The 1,250 sq m lounge offers an airside view, a social and quiet lounge, meeting rooms, recliners and two cafeterias as well as the restaurant alongside the wine bar. As the new aims to serve as a platform to promote Greekness, all warm and cold dishes as well as wines offered, come mainly from fine Greek producers.

Turkish Airlines added a virtual flight simulator to its business class lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST). The simulator—called the “Hezarfen Flight Simulator Experience” after the first person in Turkish aviation history to take flight—offers virtual reality goggles i which to “fly” over Istanbul. Following the flight path of Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi, the route starts from Galata Tower and takes guests to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Büyükdere Avenue, 15 July Martyrs Bridge and Maiden’s Tower, with 4K resolution footage at a 360-degree angle, and the ability to experience wind and flight movements.

iGA Istanbul Airport opened its Youth Lounge at the airport’s terminal departure level. The Youth Lounge, created to meet the needs of passengers in the 15–30-year age group, offers numerous possibilities to engage the attention of young people, with

London Gatwick’s No1 Lounge in the South Terminal reopened at the end of March 2022, offering passengers runway views, comfortable seats, unlimited Wi-Fi, free digital newspapers and magazines. Customers can also enjoy a wide variety of premium beers, wines and spirits served from the fully tended bar. Complimentary hot and cold food dishes and snacks will be served all day, all served buffet style.

Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has partnered with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) to offer Gameway, a premium video game lounge in Terminal 6. Gameway offers gaming stations with the newest technology, leather lounge or gaming chairs and premium Razer gaming headphones. Each guest station comes equipped with either an Xbox, PlayStation or Razer gaming PC with over 30 preloaded games, including popular titles like Fortnite, FIFA, NBA2K, Madden, Call of Duty, Minecraft, Rocket League, and many more.

Plaza Premium Lounge opened its second lounge in March 2022 at the Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport in Hungary. The lounge is located in the Sky Court area at Terminal 2 Departures, SkyCourt Mezzanine level. The bright and airy lounge offers a contemporary space to relax. Facilities include comfortable and zoned seating areas, a variety of food including traditional Hungarian cuisine, plus a tempting selection of drinks from its iconic coffee and bar station.

American Express plans to open a new Centurion Lounge at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in 2023. The 26,000-sq-ft lounge will be located in Concourse E behind security and will be accessible from both terminals and all seven concourses. The lounge will offer several outdoor areas including a garden terrace that Amex said is inspired by Atlanta’s rich tree canopy and an area with open tarmac views.

Plaza Premium Lounge is offering a new Americas Pass, which allows any traveler to access to Plaza Premium airport lounges with no membership, travel passes or mileage program affiliation required. The $59 pass will give travelers two visits to any Plaza Premium Lounge, Avianca Lounge, Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse operated by Plaza Premium Group, Air France Lounge operated by Plaza Premium Group and MERA Business Lounge in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, El Salvador and Colombia. Complete list of lounges HERE. Access includes up to three hours of lounge usage each time and 12 months of validity. As a digital pass, it is designed for seamless airport lounge access, reducing physical contact to allow for the safest travel and lounge experience.

No 1 Lounges will reopen its lounge at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal on March 27, 2022. It will be open daily from 5am. Changes include contactless reception and capacity-controlled lounges. Its menu has been updated and simplified, reducing interaction and contact between staff and guests.

After two years of closure as a result of the pandemic, Airport Dimensions has reopened its Club Aspire Lounge at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3. The lounge offers a seasonal hot menu, snacks and a wide variety of beverage options, as well as a Business Zone with unlimited Wi-Fi. There are also shower rooms, toilet facilities and baby changing facilities.

Plaza Premium Group opened the second Plaza Premium Lounge at Helsinki Airport in February 2022 at the non-Schengen area, near to gate 40. Located within the landside area in the new Terminal 2, spanning 731 sq m, Plaza Premium Lounge Helsinki can seat 135 guests who can enjoy a Finnish sauna and a full Wellness Center, including hair salon, beauty treatments and massage facilities. Private meeting and sleeping pods are available. The lounge also caters for ALLWAYS Meet & Assist service, VIP guests and has a private elevator installed in the lounge allowing passengers fast-track access where they can continue through the Premium security lane towards the destination gate.

Emirates Airline opened a renovated Unaccompanied Minors Lounge in Terminal 3, Concourse B, at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Children ages 5-15 can use the upgraded, supervised facility to wait for their flight while playing PlayStation 4 or watc

Alaska Airlines plans to renovate and expand existing lounges in Seattle and Portland, as well as open new lounges at both locations. In Portland, Alaska is investing nearly $1.5 million for lounge upgrades this year and early $7 million for lounge upgrades in Seattle for 2022-23. The revitalization of two current lounges—scheduled to get underway this spring—will eventually pave the way for completely new lounges at both airports in 2025-26.

Napcabs has opened four new sleeping cabins at Berlin Airport (BER), located in the public area of the airport. The booking of the cabins is possible for all passengers, regardless of the travel destination. For passengers who are in transit at BER Airport, access is only possible to a limited extent. These passengers need a visa for Germany to stay in the cabin and they have to leave the security area in order to enter the public area to be able to use the cabin.

The Plaza Premium Group opened its newest Plaza Premium Lounge at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The facility is located in the SkyCourt and covers an area of nearly 107 sq meters. The 40-seat lounge offers a wide range of services, including special magazines, on-screen entertainment and Hungarian cuisine.

Swissport opened its second lounge at Geneva International Airport on Feb. 1, 2022. Located in the new East Wing of the airport, the new ASPIRE Crystal Lounge will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is accessible to all passengers for an admission fee of 45 Swiss francs. Built with natural materials such as stone and wood, the ASPIRE Crystal Lounge offers a sleek and serene environment. The textures and colors of the interior immerse visitors in a mountainous setting, while large windows provide views of the Swiss Alpine peaks across Lake Geneva.

Swissport opened a new Aspire Lounge in Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 on Feb. 1, 2022. It complements the travel technology innovations and state-of-the-art facilities of the recently expanded Terminal 2 with the modern design and comfort of Aspire. The new lounge is the second under the Aspire brand in Manchester. The 240 sq m lounge offers seating and a relaxing atmosphere for 81 guests. Visitors enjoy unique and carefully selected food and beverages in a modern, bright setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the busy airfield. Lounge amenities also include a fully equipped business area with desk booths allowing travelers to work in privacy and tranquility.

Plaza Premium Lounge Ethiopia is set to open in March at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Terminal 2 (Departure). The 1,000 sq m Plaza Premium Lounge Ethiopia can accommodate up to 325 guests and features a wide range of facilities. These include a well-equipped business center, shower rooms, resting and sleeping rooms as well as a cigar lounge, and an open café/restaurant. The lounge is designed to provide a distinctive experience for passengers with its culture-inspired design and authentic Ethiopian culinary experience. The new Plaza Premium Lounge Ethiopia is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)’s only pay-per-use lounge.

ITA Airways has opened two lounges—the Piazza di Spagna at Rome Fiumicino (FCO) and the Piazza della Scala at Milan Linate (LIN) airports. The lounges are open to all passengers with a business class ticket on the entire ITA Airways network, premium and executive members of the Volare loyalty program, and Elite Plus SkyTeam members. The Piazza di Spagna lounge is in Rome Fiumicino’s E boarding area and covers approximately 1,000 sq m with 200 guest seats. Inside, there are rooms for private meetings, which can be booked in advance, and a kid’s lounge. At Milan Linate Airport, the Piazza della Scala lounge is on the first floor of the Schengen boarding area at Milan Linate and covers an area of over 400 sq m with 54 seats. Both lounges are not just a place to relax while waiting for a flight, but a showcase for the unique values and distinctive features of Italian excellence across the world. They offer Wi-Fi connectivity, TV screens broadcasting daily news and a display to check flight departure times.

Vienna Airport has introduced 16 rentable sleeping cabins in Terminal 3 (Level 2). The cabins, developed by Italian startup Zzzleepandgo, are known as “smart lounges” and provide an exclusive, peaceful place for working, resting or staying overnight. Guests register directly at the sleeping cabin of their choice via a touchpad and virtual reception that reads their passport, credit card and COVID-19 certificate. When this is completed, the door to the smart lounge opens. A multimedia system controls lighting, ventilation and darkens the room. Guests can stream films and listen to music. The cabin can also be used as a workplace featuring a foldable table and shelves. The traveler can exit or enter the cabin at any time during the rental period. After the rental time has been concluded, the cabin is cleaned and disinfected. The lounges also feature an automatic ventilation system that removes bacteria and viruses from the air. The costs amount to €9 ($10.18) per hour, and the sleeping cabins can also be booked for a whole night (starting at €48) or longer. By the end of 2022, Zzzleepandgo cabins are scheduled to be present in 16 international airports in nine countries.

Swissport will further expand its global lounge business, with the opening of Asia’s first Aspire lounge at Narita International Airport in Tokyo, Japan. The lounge, inspired by Japanese nature, style, and culture, will open in the airport’s Terminal 2 in early summer 2022. The 720 sq m lounge will be fully equipped with a relaxation room, office space and shower room for up to 148 guests. It is designed to support guests in finding their wagaya (a Japanese word meaning “one’s own home”). A range of special features will help promote wellbeing and relaxation including large windows allowing extensive natural light, aromatic oils, plants, and nature sounds throughout the spaces.

Virgin Atlantic reopened its Revivals lounge at London’s Heathrow Airport. Located at the Arrivals hall in Terminal 3, the lounge offers passengers a chance to fresh up with a shower, followed by a complimentary made-to-order breakfast, including a full English breakfast.

Cathay Pacific has reopened its first- and business-class lounges at London’s Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3, open to eligible oneworld passengers on airlines such as Qantas, Finnair and British Airways.

American Express has opened a new wellness area inside the 8,500 sq. ft. Centurion Lounge at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in partnership with mental wellness brand Calm. The lounge, located in Terminal D, features a wellness room that is outfitted with lounge chairs, complimentary neck warmers and design details inspired by the ocean. It also includes complimentary access to Calm content, which includes meditation and other sessions focused on sleep and relaxation.

Airport Dimensions partnered with VIP lounge operator Ambaar Lounge to open the first Ambaar Club lounge at Viracopos International Airport (pictured) in early December 2021, marking Airport Dimensions’ debut in the South American market. Located airside in the domestic departures hall, Ambaar Club VIP has a capacity for more than 100 passengers. The design draws from the culture and heritage of the surrounding Campinas region, featuring two significant agricultural crops—sugar cane and coffee. The design scheme is softened by fresh greenery.

Airport Dimensions and VIP lounge operator Ambaar Lounge have opened further locations at two Brazilian airports, Fortaleza International and Porto Alegre International in January 2022 (pictured). The 170-passenger capacity Ambaar Club lounge at Porto Alegre International features a coffee bar area, buffet and cocktail bar. Airport Dimensions said the lounge design was inspired by themes from the surrounding Rio Grande do Sul area. The emphasis is on wood and leather with highlights in rich shades of red, yellow and green that reflect the state’s flag. The 108-passenger lounge at Fortaleza International pays homage to the culture of Brazil’s northeastern Ceará state, with the design featuring a vibrant colour scheme. Hammocks for guest relaxation are among the facilities.

At the start of 2022, more than 20 Emirates lounges have reopened or plan to reopen at a host of airports in the UK, including London Heathrow, Birmingham, Manchester, London Gatwick and Glasgow. In Europe, Emirates lounges have already opened in Germany, namely Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Dusseldorf, in addition to lounges in Milan, Rome and Paris (to reopen end January). In the US, travelers on Emirates flights can access the premium lounge experience at Los Angeles International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport as well as New York JFK, with Emirates’ San Francisco lounge to restart its services in February 2022. At Emirates’ exclusive Terminal 3 at Dubai International airport, Emirates’ premium class customers and eligible Skywards members are also able to enjoy the airline’s premium lounge service at five of its dedicated lounges, which are now fully operational.

The fifth Delta Sky Club at the airline’s Detroit hub opened to travelers Dec. 7. Delta’s newest Club in Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) features premium beverage offerings like Motor City-made microbrews, along with curated pieces of art from local artists that reflect the beauty and innovation of Detroit. Opening in time for holiday travel, the 4,600-sq.-ft. space near gate A43 seats up to 100 guests and overlooks the concourse and the existing main Club.