AIRPORT HOSPITALITY WORLD ROUND-UP
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25 March
UK. Virgin Atlantic has unveiled the first phase of its redesigned Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport, introducing new wellness concepts and upgraded facilities.
The refreshed lounge features a new cinema space, dedicated work pods, an invitation-only Royal Box VIP area and a reimagined Gallery, combining contemporary design with improved functionality and capacity.
Wellbeing forms a central pillar of the refurbishment. Two wellbeing-related pop-up concepts have been introduced to test future service direction. Three self-guided Somadomes offer immersive meditation sessions, while a partnership with Secret Spadelivers a menu of express treatments, including massages, facials and manicures, available for a limited period.
The Royal Box offers a private, theatrical VIP environment with runway views. At its centre sits a ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’ table designed to present a rotating selection of food and beverage experiences.
Two new work pod studios – The Townhouse and The Manor – reference the airline’s Virgin Records heritage, combining studio-inspired design with integrated technology for productivity.
The Gallery has been redesigned to maximise panoramic runway views and seating flexibility, incorporating commissioned works from UK-based artists and design references to London’s transport heritage.
The cinema space has also been upgraded, with enhanced acoustics, lighting and seating, reflecting private members’ club aesthetics.
20 March
USA. American Airlines has revealed plans to deliver a significantly expanded Admirals Club lounge at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The new facility, set to exceed 12,000sq ft, will be located on the west side of the terminal and will double the current lounge footprint at the Texas airport.
In a notable first for the carrier’s lounge portfolio, the development will introduce an outdoor terrace, offering guests sweeping views across downtown Austin and the airport apron.
Construction is due to begin later this year, with the existing lounge remaining operational throughout the build phase to ensure continuity for travellers.
The reimagined space will feature a series of distinct zones catering to a range of passenger needs, from relaxation and dining to productivity and recharging.
IRELAND. Dublin Airport will reveal a major upgrade to its premium passenger offering on 31 March with the reopening of a flagship lounge and the debut of a new facility in Terminal 1, marking the culmination of a multi-million-euro investment programme by operator daa.
The airport’s 51st & Green Lounge, serving North American-bound passengers in Terminal 2, has been extensively refurbished and expanded.
The project restores one of the airport’s most popular airside spaces, now enhanced to meet growing demand for premium pre-flight experiences.
In parallel, Dublin Airport will introduce the all-new 300-seat Phoenix Lounge in Terminal 1, available for online booking from 16 April.
Both lounges will showcase an upgraded culinary proposition, with hot food selections centred on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
In a nod to Irish heritage, passengers will also be able to enjoy draught Guinness, alongside a curated selection of beers, wines, cocktails and spirits.
CANADA. Kelowna International Airport has called for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from experienced lounge operators as part of its ongoing Air Terminal Building Expansion programme.
The fast-growing Canadian gateway is seeking a qualified partner to design, develop and operate a new common-use lounge, positioned as a signature offering within the expanded terminal.
The selected operator will be tasked with creating a compelling lounge concept that balances strong brand identity with a clear sense of place, supported by a robust operational strategy aligned with airport standards.
Financial proposals are expected to follow established industry lease structures, underlining the commercial significance of the opportunity.
To register and receive the full EOI package, click here.
17 March
PAKISTAN. Lahore’s Estetica Design Studio has revealed concept images (see below) for the redesign of the VIP Domestic Lounge at Karachi Airport on behalf of client Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority.
A note from the company said: “Designed with a seamless blend of luxury, functionality and modern aesthetics, every detail is curated to create a refined and welcoming atmosphere for travellers.”
15 March
USA. Miami International Airport has introduced a premium passenger concept with the opening of the first Wait n’ Rest sleep rooms location in North America.
Located in Concourse D, the facility features 15 luxury sleep rooms designed to accommodate between one and four guests.
Each suite offers a hotel-style experience, with high-end bedding and linens, in-room touchscreen entertainment and information systems, and access to private showers and bathrooms.
Guests can also enjoy fresh towels and a curated selection of snacks and beverages, with bookings available on an hourly basis for stays of up to eight hours.
Technology plays a central role in the experience, with the in-room touchscreens allowing guests to personalise their environment and order food and beverages directly to their suite.
A second Wait n’ Rest location at Miami Airport, in Concourse H, is scheduled to open later this summer.
11 March
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has marked the US debut of Plaza Premium First and the opening of a reimagined Plaza Premium Lounge at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Located in Terminal D, the two concepts establish the airport hospitality services company’s flagship presence in the country while enhancing the passenger experience.
Full story and an image gallery here.
10 March
USA. Delta Air Lines has opened a Delta Sky Club at Denver International Airport. Located on the fourth floor of Concourse A, the lounge spans approximately 13,000sq ft and offers seating for 230 guests.
The facility forms part of Delta’s strategy to support its largest-ever schedule from Denver, with nearly 40 peak-day flights serving more than ten destinations.
The club features two double-sided food buffets, an expansive beverage station and a premium bar. A media room provides a quieter space for relaxation between flights, while power outlets at nearly every seat and high-speed wifi support productivity for business travellers.
The design draws heavily on regional influences, reflecting Colorado’s natural landscape through deep jewel tones, earthy hues, live-edge wood and rugged stone slabs inspired by the Rocky Mountains.
Local artwork and wildflower motifs reinforce sense of place, while the premium bar references architectural elements from Denver’s historic Union Station.
The culinary programme highlights Colorado agriculture, with seasonal menus showcasing local produce such as Olathe sweetcorn and Palisade peaches.
Delta confirmed the lounge will undergo a major expansion later this year, adding a further 6,000sq ft and bringing the total footprint to more than 19,000sq ft with seating for around 400 guests by late 2026.
The additional space will introduce a dedicated business lounge equipped with printers, five soundproof phone booths and an additional beverage station.
9 March
USA. Korean Air has unveiled its new flagship lounge at Los Angeles International Airport. The facility opened following 22 months of design and construction, representing an investment of approximately US$44.3 million.
Los Angeles company Blue Stone Management served as the project and cost manager for the development.
Spanning two levels and around 1,675sq m, it is now Korean Air’s largest directly operated lounge outside South Korea.
The facility is designed to create a tiered passenger journey. The First Class Lounge occupies Level 6, while the Miler Club and Prestige Class lounges are located on Level 5.
The design emphasises openness, natural light and premium materials. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony terrace overlook the terminal interior, while warm wood tones and stone finishes create a contemporary interpretation of Korean luxury.
The First Class Lounge offers a private environment featuring two exclusive suites, à la carte dining with made-to-order cuisine and a full-service cocktail bar staffed by professional bartenders.
The Miler Club and Prestige Class lounges introduce an open-kitchen concept with live culinary stations.
Food & beverage offerings include locally inspired selections such as Southern California craft beers and a signature Los Angeles coffee blend, while a QR-code menu system enables digital ordering from guests’ seats.
8 March
VIETNAM. Vietnamese airline Sun PhuQuoc Airways has opened the Sun Executive Lounge at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, marking the carrier’s first premium lounge facility.
The lounge was officially unveiled on 8 March and forms part of the airline’s wider ambition to build a premium aviation services ecosystem linked to the wider hospitality and leisure portfolio of airline owner Sun Group.
The lounge features dedicated workspaces, relaxation zones and premium massage chairs, while the food & beverage offer highlights products from across the Sun Group ecosystem.
These include craft beer from SunKraft and signature culinary specialities.
To mark the launch, the airline has introduced a series of promotional offers. Customers booking between 8 and 23 March can receive a -20% discount on lounge services.
USA. American Express has unveiled Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, a new airport lounge concept at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
The opening marks the debut of an intimate, restaurant-style lounge format designed to offer travellers a premium pre-flight experience.
The concept forms part of the ongoing evolution of the Centurion Lounge Network, developed using insights into how American Express Card Members use airport spaces before departure.
Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge features a speakeasy-inspired design that blends desert tones, layered textures and refined detailing.
The space was created in partnership with OnBrand, American Express’s in-house creative agency.
The dining experience features chef-curated menus developed by The Culinary Collective and featuring chefs recognised with the James Beard Award.
American Express said the concept reflects a broader convergence between travel, dining and hospitality, with Sidecar positioned as a more intimate alternative within the wider Centurion Lounge portfolio.
6 March
PAKISTAN. The Pakistan Airports Authority has added the Revour Lounge (pictured below) to the CIP Lounges area in the country’s leading travel hub, Islamabad International Airport.
SUDAN. Juba International Airport has revealed its redesigned and upgraded Business Lounge (see images below).
The airport serves Juba, the capital city of South Sudan.
ITALY. Swissport has opened the Catullo Lounge by Aspire at Verona Airport, strengthening its premium passenger offering in partnership with airport operator SAVE S.p.A..
Located on the ground floor after security, the new lounge has been developed under Swissport’s Aspire Lounges portfolio and is designed to deliver a hotel-style guest experience within the airport environment.
The facility features a range of passenger amenities, including complimentary food & beverage offerings highlighting regional Veneto cuisine and wines.
The lounge also provides comfortable seating areas, private workspaces and high-speed wifi for travellers seeking a productive pre-flight environment.
Guests can also enjoy panoramic views of the runway from within the lounge.
5 March
INDONESIA. Travel experiences company Airport Dimensions has unveiled the Blue Sky Premier Lounge at Juanda International Airport Terminal 2 in Surabaya.
Full story and more images here.
4 March
GERMANY. Düsseldorf Airport has partially opened its new DUS Rhein Lounge in Pier B as part of a broader programme to upgrade passenger services and lounge facilities.
The upper level of the redesigned lounge offers around 320sq m of space.
It features clearly defined zones for working and relaxation, supported by high-speed internet, multiple power outlets and USB ports.
Guests also benefit from secure lockers for hand luggage.
Furniture throughout the space has been supplied by Walter Knoll, while the interior design incorporates materials, artwork and visual references linked to the Rhine and the surrounding region.
Passengers can browse and order items through a digital QR-code menu available directly at their seats.
Further enhancements are planned in the coming months. A terrace overlooking the apron is scheduled to open in spring, while the full 935sq m Rhein Lounge is expected to be completed in summer.
The project forms part of a wider €7 million investment programme by Düsseldorf Airport to renovate and enhance its lounge infrastructure as it works towards its long-term ambition of positioning the airport as a ‘Destination of Excellence’.
1 March
NIGERIA. Air Peace has opened a new Executive Lounge at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The Nigerian airline said the facility’s focus is on enhancing the premium passenger experience as it expands its regional and international network.
The facility is designed to serve the carrier’s premium passengers and frequent flyers. ✈
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.
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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. |
