Airport Hospitality World: Aspire’s Vilnius facility unveiled; British Airways to transform Heathrow lounge portfolio

LITHUANIA. Swissport-owned Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality has opened its refurbished lounge at Vilnius Airport, introducing its premium Luxe by Aspire concept to the Lithuanian market for the first time.

The development marks the introduction of Lithuania’s first dual-tier airport lounge proposition within a single space, offering passengers a choice between the core Aspire Lounge experience and the enhanced Luxe by Aspire offering.

The opening follows a competitive tender process won by Swissport and ends almost three decades of direct lounge operations by Vilnius Airport.

The airport’s previous business lounge, opened in 1997, served more than 1 million passengers during its lifetime.

The redesigned facility features dedicated areas for working and relaxation, freshly prepared food, family facilities and premium hospitality services. Its design draws on Lithuania’s natural and cultural heritage, combining local influences with contemporary interiors.

The dual-tier approach is designed to accommodate a broader passenger demographic as Vilnius Airport expands, while optimising the use of available lounge space.

UK. British Airways has announced a major investment programme to transform its entire Heathrow Airport lounge portfolio, including a new lounge at Terminal 5 C Gates featuring a 17-metre bar, expected to rank among the world’s longest airport lounge bars.

The multi-year programme, one of the airline’s largest lounge investments to date, also includes a complete redevelopment of its Heathrow Arrivals lounge and a new First check-in facility at Terminal 3 in partnership with American Airlines.

The new Terminal 5 C Gates lounge, scheduled to open by the end of 2028, will feature panoramic airfield views, dedicated dining, relaxation and work areas, and pre-flight shower facilities.

The design will incorporate British craftsmanship and locally sourced materials, including timber, metalwork, textiles and bespoke furnishings, reflecting the airline’s evolving global lounge concept.

A dedicated Concorde lounge will provide First customers with private concierge services, enhanced dining and exclusive relaxation areas.

British Airways will also overhaul its Heathrow Arrivals lounge, with refurbishment scheduled to begin in early 2027 and completion targeted for the end of that year.

The redesigned facility will feature a coffee bar and deli, expanded dining areas, relaxation zones, work booths and 59 shower rooms.

A separate Concorde Arrivals experience will offer First customers private cabanas, dedicated dining spaces and enhanced privacy.

In Heathrow Terminal 3, British Airways and American Airlines will introduce a dedicated First check-in facility this winter, extending the premium passenger experience to the airport arrival and check-in process.

The Heathrow investment builds on recent British Airways lounge openings and refurbishments in Miami, Glasgow, Seattle and Washington. Redevelopments are underway in Boston and Newark, with Geneva and San Francisco scheduled to follow next year.

USA/UK. American Express is to open two new Centurion Lounges at Newark Liberty International Airport and London Heathrow Airport as part of its largest lounge network expansion to date.

The company has also announced major upgrades to existing hsopitality facilities at Philadelphia International and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental airports.

Full story here.

8 October

USA. Alaska Airlines has outlined plans for a major expansion of its airport lounge network, led by a 41,000sq ft premium hospitality complex at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, scheduled to open in late 2027.

The Seattle development will house a 500-seat Alaska Lounge alongside a separate 200-seat Aurora Lounge, designed for passengers travelling in the airline’s intercontinental suites.

Both facilities will feature locally inspired food & beverage offerings, bars, private workspaces and an outdoor patio.

The Aurora Lounge will offer an enhanced premium proposition, including shower facilities, wellness rooms, made-to-order dining and tableside service.

The investment will be followed by a nearly 13,000sq ft Hawaiian Airlines lounge at Honolulu International Airport’s Mauka Concourse, scheduled to open in early 2028.

Designed to accommodate approximately 200 passengers, the Honolulu facility will showcase Hawaiian hospitality through locally sourced food, coffee, cocktails and artwork by Hawaii-based creators.

Alaska Airlines is also planning a 14,000sq ft lounge at San Diego International Airport, targeted for opening later in 2028.

6 October

PERU. Airport Dimensions has marked the opening of its second The Club lounge at Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima, strengthening its footprint at the fast-growing gateway.

The 1,311.5sq m facility, located in the international departures area, brings Airport Dimensions’ total number of locations at the airport to three.

Full story here.

5 October

DENMARK. SAS Scandinavian Airlines has unveiled a preview of its new flagship lounge at Copenhagen Airport, nine months ahead of its scheduled opening in June 2027.

The 3,700sq m facility, located on the fourth floor of Terminal 3, will offer 1,095 seats and capacity for up to 4,000 visitors daily, providing approximately +40% more space than the airline’s existing lounge.

A key feature will be a dedicated Exclusive Zone for SAS’s highest-tier frequent flyers, offering a more private premium hospitality experience.

The single-floor lounge will feature panoramic runway views and distinct zones for dining, working, socialising and relaxation, including dedicated family areas, silent relaxation spaces and sleeping facilities.

Other amenities will include 24 private work pods, private hotel rooms, expanded shower facilities and digital occupancy monitoring to manage passenger flows.

Food & beverage will be central to the proposition, with a dedicated bar serving signature SAS cocktails, barista-prepared coffee and an in-house bakery offering freshly baked pastries and snacks.

Dining options will combine Scandinavian and international influences, with menus adapted throughout the day.

The design will feature Nordic aesthetics, natural materials and high ceilings, with recycled SAS textiles and selected furniture from the existing Copenhagen lounge incorporated into the new facility.

USA. American Airlines has unveiled plans to develop the largest Admirals Club lounge in its global network at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, strengthening its premium hospitality offering at one of its key connecting hubs.

The new lounge will occupy more than 40,000sq ft on the mezzanine level of the airport’s central atrium, offering expansive views across the concourse below.

The development builds on plans announced last year to expand lounge capacity at Charlotte, including the introduction of the airport’s first American Airlines Flagship lounge.

Construction is scheduled to begin this year, with existing facilities remaining operational throughout the development.

4 October

TÜRKIYE. Turkish Airlines has opened a new entrance to its Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport, providing more direct access for Elite Plus members travelling in Business Class.

The entrance is located between the Fendi and Prada boutiques in the airport’s Luxury Square shopping area, immediately after the International Departures Fast Track.

The new access point allows eligible passengers to reach the lounge more quickly, reducing the distance and time required to access its facilities.

3 October

USA. Delta Air Lines has completed the final phase of its new Sky Club at Denver International Airport, expanding the facility to 19,800sq ft with seating for nearly 400 passengers.

Located on the Concourse A central mezzanine, the enlarged lounge represents a substantial increase in capacity over the previous facility.

The latest phase adds a second beverage station, additional seating, dedicated work areas and private phone booths, alongside expanded back-of-house support facilities. ✈