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 June
Aeropuertos Uruguay has opened a dedicated sensory lounge at Carrasco International Airport, providing a low-stimulation environment for passengers seeking sensory or emotional regulation.
Named the Quiet Space, the facility reinforces the airport company’s commitment to accessibility across every stage of the passenger journey, while fostering a more inclusive and barrier-free travel experience.
Full story here.
26 June
UK. London City Airport will open its first premium passenger lounge in early 2027 through a partnership with Swissport International’s airport hospitality brand, Aspire Pre Flight Hospitality.
The airline-independent facility is currently under construction and will be accessible to all departing passengers through advance booking or walk-in purchase. An annual membership programme is also planned.
The announcement comes as London City Airport progresses plans to increase annual passenger capacity to nine million and ahead of its 40th anniversary in 2027.
Located within the departures area, the lounge will feature a hotel-style reception, runway views, a cocktail bar, barista station serving locally roasted coffee and a food & beverage offering inspired by London.
Business travellers will have access to dedicated workspaces, extensive seating and private booths for calls.
The project follows the completion of a major refurbishment of the airport’s main departures lounge in 2024 as London City Airport continues to invest in its passenger proposition.
25 June
CZECH REPUBLIC. Prague Airport has named Visa as the new partner for its Terminal 2 lounge under a five-year agreement effective from 1 July.
The facility, formerly known as the FastTrack Lounge, will be rebranded as the Visa Lounge following a competitive tender process.
Access will be available to eligible Visa premium cardholders, subject to the terms and conditions of their card issuers.
The partnership forms part of Prague Airport’s strategy to strengthen its premium passenger offering and expand collaboration with global brands.
The Visa Lounge is scheduled to undergo its first full refurbishment since opening in 2008.
Plans include a complete redesign featuring blue, white and copper tones, alongside new business facilities, including dedicated workspaces and two private phone booths.
A new interactive relaxation area will also be introduced, allowing passengers to customise elements of the visual environment while providing a quieter space away from the main airport terminal.
24 June
Shifting traveller expectations about the airport journey, and the implications for our sector, represent the central theme of a new video and podcast interview in partnership with Airport Dimensions, published today.
The company’s recent Airport Experience Study (AX26), now in its 12th year, uncovers insights into how passengers think, feel and behave at every stage of their airport journey. Airport Dimensions surveyed over 11,000 travellers in 17 markets for the study.
In the interview (click on the video or podcast icon below), Airport Dimensions Chief Growth Officer Chris Gwilliam speaks to The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt about the key findings.
Access it here.
21 June
AUSTRALIA. Singapore Airlines is preparing to open a new SilverKris Lounge at Melbourne Airport before year-end, marking a significant upgrade to its premium ground experience at the travel hub.
The carrier is relocating from its existing lower-level facility to a larger lounge on the third floor of Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 2 international precinct, above Gate 10.
The new location sits alongside the Emirates Lounge and on the same level as the Qantas First Lounge and Marhaba Lounge.
Spanning approximately 750sq m, the SilverKris Lounge is expected to be around +30% larger than the current facility and will accommodate more than 170 guests.
The expanded capacity is designed to ease potential congestion ahead of Singapore Airlines’ planned increase to five times daily services between Melbourne and Singapore.
A key feature will be a live cooking station, mirroring concepts already introduced in Singapore Airlines’ lounges at Perth and Singapore Changi airports.
The lounge will also feature a prominent U-shaped bar (pictured above), positioned as a central social and relaxation space for premium travellers.
CANADA. Air Canada has opened its first premium lounge facility at Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, extending its Air Canada Café concept.
The 97-seat facility, developed in partnership with Plaza Premium Group, becomes the seventh Air Canada Café location and forms part of the airline’s multi-year global lounge modernisation programme.
The lounge combines food & beverage offerings, workspaces and locally inspired design elements within a 336sq m footprint.
Air Canada said the lounge has been designed to reflect the character, culture and culinary heritage of Québec City.
The self-service dining concept includes hot and cold menu options tailored to a range of dietary requirements.
The facility also incorporates productivity-focused seating, power and USB-C charging at every seat, supporting the increasing demand for hybrid work and connectivity within airport environments.
From a design perspective, the lounge follows Air Canada’s ‘Glowing Hearted’ hospitality concept, which aims to create spaces that reflect local identity while maintaining a consistent premium brand experience across the airline’s network.
The Québec City location draws inspiration from the region’s natural landscapes and distinctive French-Canadian character, complemented by artwork from Canadian artists Antonietta Grassi and Douglas Coupland.
18 June
GERMANY. Düsseldorf Airport has launched its DUS Rhein Lounge in Pier B. The two-level lounge spans approximately 935sq m.
The hospitality facility offers seating for around 320 guests, including 170 seats on the lower level, 120 on the upper floor and a further 30 places on a 130sq m outdoor terrace overlooking the apron.
Full story here.
17 June
INTERNATIONAL. Plaza Premium Group has launched a global campaign celebrating the FIFA World Cup across its lounge network, featuring themed activations and curated food & beverage offerings.
Named ‘The Starting Line’, the initiative positions the hospitality company’s lounges, hotels, dining and airport services as a pre-game hub for sports travellers.
Full story here.
15 June
UK. Airport hospitality specialist Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality will open a new lounge at Manchester Airport in late August, reinforcing its expansion strategy across the UK and Ireland.
The facility, Aspire’s third lounge at this airport and second in Terminal 2, follows recent openings at Liverpool and Birmingham airports.
Full story here.
14 June
USA. The Jacksonville Daily Record has reported Delta Air Lines is set to relocate its Delta Sky Club at Jacksonville International Airport as part of the hub’s major Concourse B expansion programme.
The new Delta Sky Club will occupy a 9,934sq ft space in Concourse B, replacing the airline’s existing lounge in Concourse A. The facility will be primarily located on the mezzanine level, with a dedicated entrance area positioned on the boarding level.
Plans for the lounge include a premium hospitality offering featuring lounge seating, a café, bar and dedicated restroom facilities.
Architecture firm Ware Malcomb is leading the design of the lounge project.
13 June
UK. Teesside International Airport has partnered with regional hospitality operator Ramside Estates to rebrand and manage its exclusive passenger lounge.
Under the agreement, the facility has been relaunched as the Ramside Lounge, replacing the previous Rockliffe branding.
The lounge is available to all passengers through advance booking and offers direct lounge-to-aircraft boarding for eligible SkyPriority passengers travelling with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.
The partnership brings one of north-east England’s best-known hospitality brands into the airport environment, extending Ramside Estates’ presence across the terminal through new branding and promotional activity.
Ramside Estates owns and operates a portfolio of hospitality assets in the region including Ramside Hall Hotel, Hardwick Hall Hotel, Bowburn Hall Hotel and The Impeccable Pig.
The company has also recently strengthened its ties with the airport through a long-term lease agreement for the former St George Hotel, which forms part of wider plans to develop a conference and banqueting destination adjacent to the airport.
12 June
BULGARIA. Burgas Airport has expanded its premium passenger offering with the opening of a business lounge operated by Fraport Bulgaria in Terminal 2.
The facility serves passengers travelling to both Schengen and Non-Schengen destinations and complements the airport’s existing VIP Lounge in Terminal 1.
Strategically located within the T2 departures area, close to security screening, passport control and boarding gates, the lounge has been designed to cater to a growing demand for comfort, connectivity and relaxation within the airport environment, according to Fraport Bulgaria.
Accommodating up to 50 guests, the lounge features dedicated areas for work and leisure, high-speed wifi, refreshments and light food offerings.
The facility is available to business class passengers, selected lounge programme members and partner cardholders, while also offering paid access for all travellers through advance booking or walk-in admission.
The interior concept combines contemporary European design with elements inspired by Burgas’ maritime identity, reflecting a wider trend among airports.
Commenting on the opening, Fraport Twin Star Airport Management CEO Michael Reusch said the new facility represents a further step in the airport’s strategy to deliver a modern and premium travel environment while continuously improving comfort and service standards for passengers.
9 June
LATVIA. TAV Operation Services has been awarded a fresh 12-year business lounge services contract at Riga Airport following an international tender process, extending its long-standing partnership with Latvia’s principal gateway.
The company, which has operated the main 633sq m business lounge at the airport under its Primeclass brand for several years, will continue to manage and develop the premium hospitality offer as Riga Airport continues its mission to enhance the passenger experience.
Full story and images here.
8 June
GEORGIA. Kutaisi International Airport has strengthened its premium passenger offering with the opening of its first Business Lounge, developed in partnership with Visa.
Designed to accommodate up to 70 guests, the lounge features spaces for relaxation, work, dining and families, catering to the needs of both business and leisure passengers.
Airport operator United Airports of Georgia said the opening forms part of its broader strategy to elevate passenger services and align Georgian airport infrastructure with international standards.
INTERNATIONAL. Airport experiences specialist Airport Dimensions has highlighted the growing importance of pre-terminal digital engagement in shaping passenger spending behaviour, according to findings from its latest Airport Experience (AX26) research.
The study, based on a survey of 11,000 travellers globally, indicates that passengers who engage with airport digital services before arrival spend more once they reach the airport, underlining the commercial value of extending the customer journey beyond the terminal.
Read more insights in our story here.
7 June
USA. Alaska Airlines will open a flagship Lounge at Portland International Airport with a seating capacity for 200 guests later this month.
The new facility, which will be unveiled following more than two years of construction work, spans approximately 14,000sq ft and is twice the size of the airline’s previous Portland Lounge.
Designed with a distinctly Pacific Northwest identity, the lounge features an inviting fireplace and a large-scale wooden Mt. Hood mural created by artist Ben Butler.
The premium space features expansive ceilings that maximise natural light while offering views of the airport’s recently redeveloped terminal.
The facility includes Alaska’s Signature Loungers, dedicated workspaces, privacy booths for calls and meetings, extensive charging points and an enhanced food & beverage programme centred on fresh regional cuisine.
Guests can also enjoy barista-crafted beverages and cocktails sourced from West Coast partners.
The Portland project sits alongside a broader lounge expansion programme that includes new and upgraded airport facilities in Seattle, San Diego and Honolulu.
5 June
ARGENTINA. AMAE Lounge has reopened its facility at Córdoba International Airport following a major expansion that more than doubles the lounge’s footprint and triples seating capacity.
The new-look lounge features a redesigned layout aimed at improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency, alongside an upgraded food & beverage programme.
The facility now operates on a 24-hour basis, enabling AMAE Lounge – which operates a network of 15 airport VIP lounges – to serve a greater number of travellers across the airport’s flight schedule.
As part of the redevelopment, the company has also introduced Vista TV, its in-lounge communication and advertising platform, creating new opportunities for commercial partners to engage with passengers in a premium airport environment.
Buenos Aires-headquartered AMAE Lounge confirmed plans to further expand its presence at Córdoba Airport with the opening of two additional lounges in post-security spaces from 2027.
4 June
USA. Delta Air Lines is set to expand its premium airport hospitality offering at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with the launch of a second Delta One Lounge, reinforcing the carrier’s long-term investment in high-value travellers and premium ground services.
The new facility, to be located in Terminal 2, will make LAX the first airport in Delta’s network to host two dedicated Delta One lounges.
An initial phase is expected to open in a temporary format this summer, ahead of a fully renovated permanent lounge scheduled to debut before the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
The new lounge will complement the airline’s existing 10,000sq ft Delta One Lounge in Terminal 3, which features premium amenities including a sushi bar, wellness pods and an outdoor terrace.
2 June
HONG KONG, CHINA. Plaza Premium Group has named Michael Yang (pictured below) as General Manager for Hong Kong, where he will lead the company’s operations across the market.
Full story here.
1 June
USA. Airport entertainment and hospitality specialist Portal Lounge has opened an immersive lounge concept at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Terminal 1.
It combines premium food & beverage, gaming and social experiences in a move which the airport company said is designed to redefine airport dwell time.
Full story and more images here.
HONG KONG, CHINA. Plaza Premium Group has expanded its airport hospitality footprint at Hong Kong International Airport with the opening of a new ALLWAYS concierge service counter in Terminal 2.
The facility builds on the success of seven ALLWAYS service counters operating in Terminal 1 since 2022.
Located landside in T2’s check-in hall, the new counter offers travellers access to a broad range of concierge and passenger assistance services.
The ALLWAYS proposition includes limousine transfers, personalised Meet & Assist services and dedicated concierge support for VIPs, celebrities and event guests.
The T2 operation also introduces a suite of practical airport services, including luggage wrapping and strapping, porter assistance, wheelchair support, battery charging, document delivery and printing service. ✈
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. |
