AIRPORT HOSPITALITY WORLD ROUND-UP
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report has launched an Airport Hospitality World LinkedIn newsletter, a curated monthly selection of the latest global airport lounge news and key stories from the wider airport hospitality sector. Follow this link to subscribe. Please send your press releases to Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com while for advertising enquiries please contact Christelle Hill at Christelle@MoodieDavittReport.com
27 September
An Ambaar Club lounge has opened São Paulo-Congonhas Airport. The brand is a joint venture between Airport Dimensions and Ambaar Lounge.
With architecture inspired by São Paulo, the space is set in more than 1000sq m with capacity to receive more than 280 passengers.
It accommodates several different environments, “combining sophistication, comfort and convenience”, according to Aena Brazil’s Commercial Manager for the airport, Diana Bokelman.
26 September
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) will open two lounges in the New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport, expanding its US footprint as part of the US$19 billion transformation projects in progress at the travel hub.
The nearly 14,000sq ft space planned will include Plaza Premium First, an ultra-premium lounge located airside, and a Plaza Premium Lounge in the pre-security Arrivals hall.
Full story here.
25 September
USA. Alaska Airlines has announced plans for a new flagship lounge at San Diego International Airport. The development will form part of a multi-billion-dollar investment in its network infrastructure.
The 13,000sq ft facility will be among the largest carrier lounges at the airport and is slated to break ground in early 2027. Designed to reflect San Diego’s local culture, the space will feature quiet work areas, a full serviced bar/restaurant with cocktails, barista-made espresso and regionally inspired food.
Alaska Airlines, which is expanding its presence in San Diego alongside Hawaiian Airlines, said the lounge underscores its strategy to attract and retain premium travellers in competitive West Coast markets.
Alaska Airlines Vice President of Guest Products and Experience Todd Traynor-Corey commented: “Our Lounges are more than just a place for guests to wait for their next flight. They’re an extension of our signature hospitality and comfort. With our new San Diego Lounge on the horizon, we’re shaping the future of travel with spaces designed to make it seamless, elevated and welcoming.”
22 September
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has reopened its Plaza Premium Lounge in Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 following refurbishment.
The refreshed space, described by PPG as “embracing the contemporary London spirit”, is located just outside the Arrivals Hall and next to PPG’s Aerotel London.
Read the full story and see a gallery of images here.
17 September
INDIA. Publicly listed Indian airport services aggregator DreamFolks has announced the discontinuation of its domestic airport lounge services, citing a material impact.
The disclosure was made in an updated stock exchange filing yesterday (16 September), where the company added that other domestic services and international lounge operations will remain unaffected.
Click here for full story.
SAUDI ARABIA. Global airport hospitality provider Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has opened a regional headquarters in Riyadh to oversee operations across the Middle East and Africa.
The office is the company’s second regional base in the EMEA region and its launch coincides with the group’s tenth year of operations in Saudi Arabia.
The opening ceremony on 14 September was attended by representatives from government bodies, airport authorities, airlines and industry partners. Click here for full story.
16 September
USA. Air France is to invest up to US$8 million in a new premium lounge at Miami International Airport, according to several reports in the Miami press. The facility will feature an outdoor terrace.
Spanning 7,370sq ft, the lounge will include 6,370sq ft of indoor space and a 1,000sq ft of open-air area.
Set to debut in 2028, the lounge will be located on the third level of Concourse H near gates H12 and H15, providing convenient access to Air France and SkyTeam partner flights.
The airline has reportedly signed a ten-year lease with the option for a five-year extension.
ITALY. Swissport International has opened its first Aspire Executive Lounge in Italy at Venice Marco Polo Airport. The 330sq m landside facility seats 73 guests.
The new lounge responds to rising demand for high-quality airport hospitality and may be expanded to other Italian airports, Swissport said.
Guests can expect complimentary food and beverages, high-speed wifi, a quiet business centre and various comfortable seating options. Meeting rooms are also available for rent.
Read the full story and see more images here.
9 September
USA. American Airlines is to open a Flagship Lounge, its top-tier lounge concept, and expand its Admirals Club footprint at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The new facility will feature champagne greetings, chef-driven menus and spa-style shower suites, with design elements arranged in ‘neighborhoods’ for dining, working, relaxing and family needs.
Flagship Lounge will be open to AAdvantage Platinum members and above on eligible international itineraries, with single visit passes available for US$150 or 15,000 miles.
American Airlines Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden said: “This investment will introduce a premium experience for our Flagship customers and provide more space in our Admirals Club lounges. As an airline, we’re committed to meeting the needs of our customers, and we’re excited to continue to invest in our lounges at CLT.”
The airline currently operates three lounge spaces at Charlotte Airport, including Admirals Club lounges in Concourses B and C/D and a new Provisions by Admirals Club grab-and-go concept in Concourse A.
Charlotte is American’s second-largest hub, connecting passengers to more than 170 destinations in 27 countries.
7 September
MOROCCO. Swissport International is continuing the roll-out of 11 Aspire Executive Lounges Aspire across key airports in Morocco. The latest has opened at Agadir–Al Massira Airport.
The lounge includes a buffet service featuring popular Moroccan pastries (see examples below).
Agadir–Al Massira Airport servies Agadir, a major city in southwest Morocco and the capital of the Souss-Massa region.
Under a ten-year license awarded in November last year by the Moroccan airport authority ONDA, Aspire Executive Lounges will also operate lounges in Casablanca, Fez, Laayoune, Marrakech, Nador, Oujda, Rabat and Tangier airports.
CANADA. The Aspire Lounge has been expanded at Calgary International Airport.
Now named The Aspire WestJet Garden Lounge, it features lush planting in an eye-catching space designed by Montreal design and architecture firm Ménard Dworkind.
A note on LinkedIn from Aspire said: “It’s not just a beautiful space, it’s a thoughtful response to what travellers want and what airline partners need.
“From lush planting that creates privacy and calm, to a striking bar that anchors the lounge, every feature was chosen to deliver two things: comfort for guests and efficiency for operations.”
5 September
ITALY. Aviapartner hospitality division Prima Vista Lounges has unveiled the new airside Prima Vista Lounge at Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 1.
Located in the Schengen Area, Boarding Gates Zone A31-52, it includes sense of place artwork and a food & beverage offer featuring classic Italian snacks and dishes.
A note from Prima Vista Lounges on LinkedIn said: “This lounge experience blends modern design and Italian flavours, immersing guests in the spirit of the eternal city.”
A picture gallery appears below.
3 September
Leading airport hospitality services provider Plaza Premium Group has launched Aerotel Shanghai, bringing the global airport transit hotel concept to Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 2.
It features 82 rooms and includes hourly booking options for the convenience and comfort of transit, departure and arrival passengers.
Read the June column of Airport Hospitality World here.
Read the July column of Airport Hospitality World here.
Read the August column of Airport Hospitality World here.
TENDER ALERTThe Moodie Davitt Report is the industry’s most popular channel for launching commercial proposals and for publishing the results. If you wish to promote an Expression of Interest, Request for Proposals or full tender process for any sector of airport or other travel-related infrastructure revenues, simply email Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com. We have a variety of options that will ensure you reach the widest, most high-quality concessionaire/retailer/operator base in the industry – globally and immediately. The Moodie Davitt Report is the only international business media to cover all airport or other travel-related consumer services, revenue-generating and otherwise. Our reporting includes duty-free and other retail, food & beverage, property, passenger lounges, art and culture, hotels, car parking, medical facilities, the internet, advertising and related revenue streams. Please send relevant material, including images, to Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for instant, quality global coverage. |
The Moodie Davitt Report is delighted to announce Airport Hospitality World, the latest edition to its wide-ranging, market-leading travel retail and airport non-aeronautical revenues publishing and event portfolio. Airport Hospitality World covers all forms of airport lounges across international and domestic terminals, including various definitions as follows:
Plus other hospitality-related platforms:
Excitingly, the long-established Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards will embrace Airport Hospitality World from the 2026 edition – the event’s 15th anniversary. The event will take on an extended form, featuring an exhibition and the ultimate one-stop airport hospitality and food & beverage conference and awards platform. |
