AIRPORT HOSPITALITY WORLD ROUND-UP
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28 July
SINGAPORE/HONG KONG, CHINA. Plaza Premium Group’s digital rewards programme, Smart Traveller, is expanding its rewards offering through a partnership with Singapore-based loyalty and travel rewards platform HeyMax, enhancing the experience for members in Singapore and Hong Kong.
Full story here.
26 July
AUSTRALIA. Melbourne Airport and the Qantas Group have signed a long-term agreement that includes the development of a new Qantas international lounge precinct as part of a major upgrade to the airport’s international facilities.
At the heart of the investment is the new Qantas lounge facility, which will be built above Terminal 2 (see artist’s impression of the expanded terminal below).
The facility will be up to one-third larger than the airline’s current international lounge, increasing capacity to accommodate growing demand from premium travellers and frequent flyers.
The new lounge will offer sweeping views across the airport.
Construction and fit-out are expected to be completed by 2029.
USA. Air India will open its first flagship Maharaja Lounge in New York as part of its relocation to John F. Kennedy International Airport’s new Terminal 6 in 2028, strengthening its premium airport hospitality offer in North America.
The 9,100sq ft lounge will occupy a prime post-security location overlooking the terminal’s commercial concourse.
It follows the recent opening of the airline’s Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (pictured below) and forms part of Air India’s strategy to enhance its premium ground experience for international travellers.
The move to Terminal 6 will also place Air India alongside fellow Star Alliance carriers, including Air Canada, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS and TAP Air Portugal, enabling same-terminal connections through its existing codeshare and interline partnerships.
Terminal 6 has now been selected by 16 international airlines and is being developed by JFK Millennium Partners as part of the wider transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport.
The terminal will open in phases, with full completion scheduled for 2028.
25 July
USA. Airport Dimensions has launched Poppin, a new grab-and-go lounge concept at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, designed for travellers seeking a shorter premium lounge experience before departure.
Poppin provides Priority Pass members with a flexible alternative to traditional lounge access, allowing eligible guests to choose between the new self-service concept and the full-service lounge during each visit.
The compact facility is aimed at time-conscious travellers who want access to refreshments and relaxation without committing to a longer lounge stay.
Unlike traditional airline-invited lounges, Poppin is exclusively available to Priority Pass members, helping to provide a more predictable experience during peak periods.
23 July
UK. CAVU has opened its new premium lounge concept, The Executive by Escape Lounges, in Manchester Airport Terminal 2, marking the introduction of a new top-tier lounge offer as part of the airport’s ongoing terminal transformation programme.
Open to all departing passengers, the facility represents the first CAVU Executive-tier location and sits alongside the company’s existing Escape Lounges proposition.
Full story here.
CANADA. Plaza Premium Group has opened a lounge at Toronto Pearson International Airport’s In-Field Concourse (IFC).
The new lounge provides travellers connecting through Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 with an additional space to relax and recharge before boarding.
Located within the IFC, the facility is accessible via a short shuttle transfer from the main terminals.
Designed as a quieter alternative during busy travel periods, the lounge features dedicated seating areas, wifi, food & beverage options, flight information displays and accessible facilities.
Additional features include shower facilities, a nursing room, and vegetarian and halal dining choices.
22 July
FRANCE. Air France and Groupe ADP’s Extime Travel have launched a new stopover programme that enables connecting passengers at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to extend their journey and explore Paris and the surrounding region.
Extime Travel is a specialised tour operator and a central part of the broader Extime hospitality ecosystem, which includes operating luxurious passenger lounges, retail spaces and food & beverage venues within Paris airports.
Full story here.
UK. Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality, Swissport International’s airport hospitality brand, has opened its expanded lounge offering at Birmingham Airport, introducing three tiers of premium passenger experiences.
The redevelopment includes an upgraded and refurbished Aspire Lounge, alongside two new concepts: Luxe by Aspire and Suite by Aspire.
The refurbished Aspire Lounge now features 135 seats, offering an enhanced pre-flight environment with upgraded interiors, food & beverage options, and dedicated areas for both work and relaxation.
Luxe by Aspire introduces a more exclusive experience with 104 seats, providing additional space for business and leisure travellers seeking enhanced comfort, improved workspace facilities and a premium dining proposition.
At the top end of the offering, Suite by Aspire features 52 seats and delivers à la carte dining and personal table-side service.
The new lounges have been designed to reflect Birmingham’s cultural and industrial heritage, incorporating references to the city’s canal network and science heritage.
The spaces feature natural light, calming interiors, runway views, work and leisure zones, and dedicated washroom facilities.
USA. Chase, in partnership with Airport Dimensions, has opened its latest Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, expanding its premium airport lounge network with an 18,000sq ft facility in Terminal D.
Full story here.
21 July
FRANCE. Air France has unveiled a redesigned La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, further enhancing its ultra-premium ground experience for First Class customers.
Located in Terminal 2E, the refurbished lounge spans more than 1,000sq m and has been redesigned to deliver greater privacy, comfort and exclusivity for La Première guests.
The new space builds on Air France’s wider La Première proposition, launched in 2024, and complements the airline’s latest First Class suites being introduced on selected Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
Developed by Air France teams in collaboration with Marks Brandimage, the lounge features refined interiors with warm materials, tailored lighting and private areas designed for relaxation, work and wellness treatments.
The hospitality offering includes fine dining and dedicated spaces aimed at creating a seamless premium journey from the airport through to the onboard experience.
The redesign forms part of Air France’s continued investment in its highest-tier customer proposition, with the airline positioning La Première as one of the most exclusive airport and inflight experiences in global aviation.
19 July
INDIA. Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati has opened a new business lounge facility, expanding premium passenger amenities at the gateway to Northeast India.
Located on the first floor of the Secure Hold Area in the terminal, the new lounge provides departing passengers with a dedicated space offering personalised service, wifi connectivity and flight information displays.
The facility operates 24 hours a day and complements an existing business lounge located on the ground floor near Gate 2.
17 July
ARGENTINA. AMAE Lounge is set to expand its presence at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery International Airport with the opening of a new domestic lounge later this year.
The 785sq m facility will accommodate up to 200 guests, more than doubling AMAE Lounge’s current capacity at the airport.
Designed for domestic and regional travellers, the new lounge will feature river views and contemporary interiors.
Developed in partnership with airport operator Aeropuertos Argentina, the opening will mark AMAE Lounge’s third facility at the Buenos Aires airport.
14 July
THE PHILIPPINES. Seven international airlines have begun using the newly opened First Meridian Lounge in Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, marking a significant expansion of the airport’s shared premium hospitality offering.
The 2,600sq m third-party lounge, located on Terminal 3 Level 4, serves eligible premium passengers travelling with Thai Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, KLM and Qatar Airways.
Additional airline partners are expected to join in the coming months.
The facility has been introduced as part of New NAIA Infra Corp’s terminal modernisation programme, which includes repurposing underutilised spaces to improve the passenger experience and increase the availability of food & beverage and retail amenities.
The common-use lounge model replaces multiple airline-specific facilities with a single larger premium space, enabling airlines to offer lounge access while improving the efficiency of terminal space utilisation.
First Meridian Lounge features dedicated dining, work and relaxation areas alongside high-speed wifi, shower facilities and flight information displays.
Premium amenities include sleep pods, private rooms, infant care rooms, children’s play areas, game and golf simulators and quiet zones.
The food & beverage proposition includes local and international cuisine, a bakery, a teppanyaki station, halal dining options, a full-service bar and a wine cellar.
12 July
USA. American Airlines has expanded its airport lounge portfolio with the opening of a Provisions by Admirals Club concept at New York John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport.
Located in Terminal 8 between gates 12 and 14, the 3,700sq ft facility offers premium food & beverage options in a space designed to maximise speed, passenger flow and convenience.
The JFK opening represents the evolution of the Provisions by Admirals Club concept, which debuted at Charlotte Douglas International Airport in 2025.
Inspired by New York City’s character, the lounge combines locally influenced design with an open, streamlined layout aimed at supporting passengers with tight connections or limited dwell time.
A key feature is American Airlines’ first dedicated barista bar, serving made-to-order Lavazza coffee and speciality beverages.
The facility also includes self-service grab-and-go drinks, prepared hot and cold meals, snacks and vegetarian options available throughout the day.
INDIA. Encalm Hospitality has opened an International Lounge at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad.
Located in the airport’s International Departures area, the facility has been designed to offer travellers a premium pre-flight experience, combining contemporary interiors with enhanced comfort, hospitality and passenger amenities.
Designed by Trident Design, the new lounge forms part of Encalm’s strategy to develop an integrated airport hospitality ecosystem, delivering premium experiences across multiple passenger touchpoints while responding to evolving traveller expectations.
AUSTRALIA. Qantas has opened its refurbished lounge at Devonport Airport, enhancing the pre-flight experience for passengers travelling through Tasmanias North West.
The upgraded lounge features a redesigned interior inspired by the region’s natural landscapes, with new furnishings, enhanced seating, updated flooring and finishes, and additional charging points to improve passenger comfort and convenience.
The refurbishment complements airport operator TasPorts’ long-term investment programme under the 15-year Devonport Airport Master Plan, which focuses on improving safety, operational resilience, passenger amenities and the overall customer experience across the airport precinct.
USA. CAVU’s Escape Lounges is set to expand its US network with the opening of a pay-per-visit lounge at Philadelphia International Airport later this year.
Located in Terminal D, the 1,500sq ft facility will accommodate up to 50 guests and offer a full-service bar, complimentary food and beverages, wifi, charging stations and live flight information.
The lounge will be managed by Fort Worth hospitality company Gideon Toal Management Services, marking the minority-owned operator’s 15th airport lounge.
Escape Lounges currently operates 30 locations across the USA, UK and Australia, including 20 US airports, with a further opening planned at Omaha Eppley Airfield.
The new facility will strengthen Philadelphia International Airport’s premium lounge offering, joining existing facilities operated by American Express, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Chase.
10 July
KENYA. Bosphorus Company Limited has expanded its airport hospitality offering in Kenya with the opening of the Bosphorus Lounge Kahve Deli at Moi International Airport Terminal 2, marking the first premium lounge dedicated to domestic travellers at the hub.
The new facility was officially inaugurated by Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Moses Wekesa and Bosphorus Company Limited Director Cemmal Yavuz Ulman.
Inspired by Swahili design, the lounge combines coastal-themed interiors with contemporary amenities and an enhanced food & beverage offering, providing domestic passengers with a premium pre-flight experience.
Welcoming the investment, Wekesa said: “The opening of the Bosphorus Lounge Kahve Deli is a testament to the value of strong partnerships between Kenya Airports Authority and the private sector.
“Investments such as this enhance the passenger experience while supporting our vision of developing modern, customer-centric airports that serve the needs of today’s traveller.”
The new lounge complements the Bosphorus International Lounge in Terminal 1, making Bosphorus the only lounge operator at Moi International Airport serving both domestic and international passengers.
7 July
UK. Air France has opened its first branded lounge in Heathrow Airport Terminal 4.
Designed by the airline in collaboration with agency MARKS Brandimage, the 750sq m lounge has 150 seats and represents the first dedicated Air France lounge at Heathrow.
Full story and more images here.
5 July
UAE. Emirates has launched a new premium lounge concept as part of a wider investment to create a more seamless premium customer journey across its airport, onboard and inflight service touchpoints.
The first next-generation lounges have opened in Frankfurt and Munich airports, with Manchester scheduled to follow in July, Mauritius in August and Istanbul in October.
Emirates said the concept will serve as the blueprint for future lounge refurbishments across its global network, with more than AED50 million (US$13.6 million) invested in each upgraded facility.
Designed to reflect the airline’s latest First and Business Class cabin interiors, the lounges feature refreshed architecture, herringbone flooring, marble and gold finishes, integrated lighting and Emirates’ signature backlit Ghaf Tree motif.
More than 50 design enhancements have been introduced across work, dining, relaxation and social spaces.
The upgraded food & beverage offer includes chef-led live cooking stations serving freshly prepared dishes alongside rotating buffet selections and locally inspired cuisine.
New bakery ovens will produce fresh pizzas, flatbreads and manakeesh, while barista-crafted coffees and teas and handcrafted cocktails and mocktails will also feature.
Other enhancements include upgraded shower suites with VOYA amenities, dedicated quiet zones, improved workspaces with wireless charging at every seat, a breastfeeding room and a prayer room with ablution facilities and Qibla orientation.
4 July
MEXICO. Global Lounge Network has expanded its airport hospitality portfolio with the opening of the Harmony Lounge at Benito Juárez International Airport in Mexico City.
Located airside in Terminal 2, the new premium lounge is available to both domestic and international travellers, offering a contemporary pre-flight environment designed for relaxation, dining and productivity.
The facility features a buffet with hot and cold food, premium coffee and espresso, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, high-speed wifi, flat-screen televisions and a range of flexible seating options.
The lounge is designed with modern interiors incorporating wood finishes and contemporary décor. ✈
Read the May 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the June 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the July 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the August 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the September 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the October 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the November 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the December 2025 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the January 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the February 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the March 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the April 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
Read the May 2026 Airport Hospitality World column here.
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 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. |
