Airport Hospitality World: Plaza Premium Group opens lounge at new luxury Red Sea International Airport

AIRPORT HOSPITALITY WORLD ROUND-UP

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23 July

SAUDI ARABIA. Plaza Premium Group (PPG) has this week opened a lounge at the new luxury Red Sea International Airport in northwestern Saudi Arabia.

PPG’s Saudi Arabia-based Guest Service Officer Badr Jazzr said in a post on LinkedIn: “This milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our incredible colleagues. From planning to execution, everyone played a vital role in bringing this vision to life.”

Red Sea Airport has been built to serve the luxury tourism developments known as The Red Sea Project. Designed by British architect Foster + Partners, the airport began operations on 21 September 2023, and is expected to serve 1 million passengers a year by 2030.

More on this opening will follow on our channels.

22 July

CHINA, HONG KONG. Plaza Premium Group’s (PPG) new Plaza Premium First facility has become the first independent lounge to feature a fully certified halal menu at Hong Kong International Airport.

It combines global cuisine with Southeast Asian favourites and popular local dishes.

To complement the dining experience, the Plaza Premium First lounge features a selection of refined spirits, sparkling wines, house wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages from its ‘Mobile Bar’.

Other facilities include exclusive bathrooms and showers (with amenities); a neck & shoulder massage service; high-speed wifi; flight information displays; charging stations; and a baggage storage service.

The Plaza Premium First lounge is further lifted by the display of modern artworks from three renowned Chinese artists, Zao Wou-Ki, Chu Teh Chun and Zeng Yang.

Plaza Premium Group General Manager of Hong Kong Operations John Girard said: “We are delighted to present our second Plaza Premium First lounge in Hong Kong. It is a significant milestone in our global expansion of Plaza Premium First and a pivotal step in realising our mission of ‘Making Travel Better’.”

Click here for the full story.

UK/JERSEY. No1 Lounges Ltd, a Swissport company, has announced the opening of two airport lounge locations: My Lounge at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 3 and a No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport.

Both lounges – open to all passengers, regardless of airline or ticket class – are part of a broader growth strategy being driven by co-owner Airport Dimensions, the global airport experiences specialist.

The 112-seat My Lounge in Heathrow T3 was originally launched as the Club Aspire lounge. The space has been entirely redesigned and rebranded, and comes hot on the heels of recent Clubrooms and No1 Lounge launches at the UK’s premier airport.

The opening of the No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport on 18 July marked a major milestone for No1 Lounges, as its first location outside the UK. It provides comfortable seating for 148 guests and offers bistro and buffet-style dining plus a fully serviced bar.

Paying homage to the island’s pergolas, trellises, arbours and greenhouses, the lounge – which features ocean and runway views – has been designed with architectural elements and Jersey limestone to bring a sense of place.

No1 Lounges Managing Director Rami El-Dahshan said, “Together, these launches reflect the strength of our ambition and the continued investment in our guest experience.

“These latest projects show our commitment to offering lounges with real character, designed with purpose, delivered with flair and shaped around the people who use them.”

For more details about both openings, see our full story here.

SAUDI ARABIA. Saudi hospitality company Catrion has unveiled the Cozaya Lounge at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam.

Catrion noted, “Cozaya Lounge embodies Catrion’s vision for creating hospitality spaces that blend authenticity with elevated comfort, all while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability in both design and operations.

“The lounge introduces a refreshed concept for airport stopovers, one that enriches the passenger journey by offering a more interactive, engaging and high-quality experience, moving beyond the conventional notion of a waiting space.”

16 July

JAPAN. American Express opened a Centurion Lounge at Tokyo Haneda Airport today. It features locally sourced decor and artwork that celebrates Japanese philosophy, craftsmanship and artistry.

It also encompasses an open kitchen where guests can watch the chefs cook; a buffet offering a variety of Japanese and Western food & beverage; a dedicated sweets bar nodding to Japan’s snack culture; and private phone rooms also equipped with a curated audio programme for meditation.

The restaurant menu comes via acclaimed chef Satoshi Ogino, known for his mastery of classic Japanese cuisine with an emphasis on seasonality. He has helmed the kitchens of several Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo, including his own Akasaka Ogino.

A full bar offers a premium menu of wine, locally inspired cocktails and a selection of Japanese beers, sake and shochu.

The sweets bar features a selection of teas and traditional Japanese Wagashi sweets, plus a rotating menu of additional treats.

USA. American Airlines has announced it is opening an Admirals Club lounge in Charlotte Douglas International Airport Concourse A later this summer.

Lounge features will include customer support from on-site airline representatives for personalised service, and travel assistance and information.

The food options are described by the airline as ‘flexible’, with customers able to choose from a variety of sandwiches, salads, snacks and fresh fruit. Vegetarian sandwich and salad options will also be available.

American Airlines noted the space will feature a clean design with high-top standing tables and minimal furniture to create an environment that supports quick visits and high-volume traffic.

UK. Leeds Bradford Airport has opened what it calls its “signature airport experience”, in the form of new lounge Six Eight One. The lounge takes its name from Leeds Bradford Airport’s height above sea level.

Six Eight One serves up strong local provenance with a locally inspired food & beverage menu. Part of the offer is a full range of signature cocktails, including the ‘Yorkshire Lass’, created in collaboration with Leeds’ award-winning bar Tabula Rasa.

14 July

JERSEY. No1 Lounges is to open its latest facility at Jersey Airport this week (18 July), its first outside the UK. The 5,900sq ft lounge will feature over 5,000sq ft of front-of-house space, providing seating for 150 guests.

Key amenities will include a bistro-style dining area and a fully tended bar, dedicated workspaces and spacious lounge seating, including a TV lounge.

9 July

NETHERLANDS. American Express announced its first airport lounge in the Benelux countries. A Centurion Lounge will open at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol featuring luxury amenities, locally inspired cuisine and high-end service.

At nearly 600sq m, the lounge is currently under construction and set to open in 2026 between piers E and F.

American Express said the lounge will combine international appeal with a distinctly Amsterdam character. It will feature local artwork, architecture inspired by the city’s iconic canals and menus featuring Dutch flavours.

8 July

USA. Delta Air Lines has debuted two new premier lounges at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport – a Delta One Lounge and a Delta Sky Club facility.

For the first time ever, the project sees Delta opening two separate lounges in a connected space.

The two-storey spaces feature over 24,000sq ft of panoramic mountain views.

This is the fourth Delta One Lounge added to the network in the past year and the third new Delta Sky Club, bringing the total of Delta lounges and clubs to 57.

Perched on the top floor, the Delta One Lounge offers an exclusive retreat with space for 149 guests inside as well as 72 seats on a wrap-around terrace with breathtaking views of Mt Rainier.

Just below, the Delta Sky Club seats 183, where expansive windows showcase the surrounding mountains and forests.

ASIA PACIFIC. Collinson’s 2025 Asia Pacific Consumer Happiness Report, developed with behavioural psychologist Dr William von Hippel, reveals how transformative experiences and emotional rewards are key to driving consumer happiness and long-term loyalty.

The study, based on 4,000 APAC respondents, highlights a growing demand for connection and fulfilment – especially among younger generations.

The report points to a shift in consumer expectations, with happiness now a key priority in the modern economy.

It reveals how brands can drive deeper engagement by offering access to transformative experiences, as more consumers seek value through loyalty rewards and benefits.

Click here for the full story.

INTERNATIONAL. Flight Centre Travel Group’s flagship SME division, Corporate Traveller, has revealed its Travel Manager’s 2025 rankings of the world’s top airport stopovers, lounges and transit services.

The Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai at Dubai International Airport topped the lounge rankings.

When asked which international lounges offered the best amenities, experience and food & beverage, almost half of travel experts chose it.

Read the full article here.

USA. John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4 operator JFKIAT has opened a new Capital One Lounge in partnership with Capital One and TAV Operation Services.

Located on Level 3 of T4’s Retail Hall, the Capital One Lounge immerses guests in the flavours and culture of New York City through local F&B partners, including Ess-a-Bagel, Murray’s Cheese, Bean & Bean Coffee Roasters, TALEA Beer Co., Death & Co., and more.

The lounge also features destination-inspired design elements. From silkscreens and sculptures to works on wood and canvas, more than 40 original artworks from New York artists are on display.

Follow this link to see stunning images of the top-class facility and its opening event in our full story.

USA. American Airlines has announced plans to build a new flagship lounge at Miami International Airport, along with expanding its Admirals Club lounge footprint.

Once complete, the expansion and upgrades will nearly double the amount of lounge space for American customers travelling through the airport.

The airline noted the facility will include curated artwork to add local and cultural character, while spa-style shower suites, tranquil restrooms with high-end finishes and family-friendly spaces will also feature.

4 July

AUSTRALIA. Stage two of the Qantas Club lounge redevelopment at Adelaide Airport has been completed. The facility includes a brand-new Domestic Business Lounge and a complete refurbishment of the existing Qantas Club and Chairman’s Lounge.

Seating capacity has been increased by +10%, with a focus on improved comfort and accessibility, according to developer Built.

Designed by Architectus, the space now accommodates up to 190 travellers and highlights South Australia’s landscapes, culture, food and design.

The Built project team delivered the redevelopment within a live airport environment – including working within strict security protocols, managing multiple stakeholders and maintaining operational continuity for the Qantas Club members.

3 July

LATVIA. We have today highlighted some prime hospitality and food & beverage opportunities at Riga Airport. The airport company has announced an international tender for the management of its passenger terminal commercial space.

The tender initially incorporates a floor area of more than 4,000sq m embracing duty free (2,006sq m), food & beverage (1,314sq m), convenience stores (209sq m) and a business lounge (633sq m).

A terminal extension project begins construction this year, which will eventually more than double the current commercial area, bringing extended contract opportunities. Notably, the food & beverage offer will almost triple in size to 3,618sq m.

Read all the details via our story here.

CANADA. Global airline alliance SkyTeam has completed the refurbishment of its SkyTeam Lounge at Vancouver International Airport.

It is open to SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers.

The 528sq m facility features a refreshed modern design, upgraded furniture and an updated layout that introduces dedicated areas for relaxation or productivity.

Located in International Concourse D, the lounge spans two wings with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the runways and surrounding mountains.

Food and drinks options include a noodle station and hot and cold buffet area, plus beers from local Vancouver breweries.

SLOVAKIA. Menzies Aviation has officially unveiled its new 187sq m, 63-guest capacity Pearl Lounge at Bratislava M. R. Štefánik Airport. It is the 57th lounge in its expanding Pearl network and the first in Slovakia.

The lounge is among the first in the network to be unveiled in the brand’s new modern design with amenities tailored to both business and leisure passengers.

Amenities include comfortable seating and a relaxation area, dedicated workstation areas, and complimentary wifi and refreshments.

PUERTO RICO. CAVU has opened an Escape Lounge (pictured below) at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

With a walk-in entrance fee of US$55, it features a locally inspired menu with a variety of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes, alongside a wide selection of drinks.

Other amenities include ultra-fast, private wifi, charging ports, PressReader Access, and print, scan and copy services.

INDIA. Airports Authority of India has unveiled the Elysian International Executive Lounge in the new integrated terminal building at Pune Airport.

The airside lounge features plush seating and gourmet dining options.

USA. CAVU has officially opened an Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport. It can be accessed by all airport users who pay a US$40 entrance fee.

The lounge owner noted the facility has design features inspired by the Pacific Northwest.

An extensive hot and cold food menu, prepared by in-house chefs, is available. Other amenities include ultra-fast, private wifi, charging ports, PressReader Access, and print, scan and copy services. ✈

Read the June column of Airport Hospitality World here.

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: Pay-per-use First Class and Business Class Airline-affiliated Alliance-based Credit card-linked Plus other hospitality-related platforms: Airport hotels Meet & Greet Concierge services Rewards Baggage wrap and other related services Miscellaneous passenger support programmes (buggies, porter services and more) Pet facilities and services 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.