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
8 May
CHINA. Star Alliance has opened a lounge at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, marking the world-largest global airline alliance’s latest investment in customer experience at one of China’s fastest-growing international gateways.
Located in the airport’s newly opened Terminal 3, the 1,400sq m facility accommodates around 245 guests and includes a rare 700sq m outdoor garden designed as an open-air retreat for travellers.
Open 24 hours a day, the lounge is available to First and Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold members travelling on member airline flights from Terminal 3.
The opening follows the successful debut of Star Alliance’s first Asia lounge in Guangzhou in 2024 and underlines the alliance’s expanding presence in the region.
Features include a central sculptural installation inspired by the kapok flower – the city’s emblem – and a tea experience hosted by dedicated tea artists.
Amenities include sleep pods, private rooms, reading areas and workspaces, while the food & beverage offer has been developed with the five-star chef team from Pullman Hotel Guangzhou Baiyun Airport.
Ten Star Alliance member airlines currently operate from Guangzhou, offering some 1,500 weekly departures to 52 destinations across ten countries.
7 May
FRANCE. French airline Transavia has opened a passenger lounge in Paris Orly Airport Terminal 2.
Located close to the boarding gates, the lounge features runway views, complimentary self-service food and beverages, including a curated wine selection.
The facility also offers wifi connectivity and dedicated work and relaxation areas.
Access is included for passengers travelling on Max France fares and Flying Blue Platinum members or above on domestic flights.
Flying Blue Skipper, Club 2000 and Ultimate members may also invite one guest travelling on the same flight.
MALTA. DC Aviation Malta has unveiled a redesigned passenger lounge at Malta International Airport.
The upgraded premises feature separate passenger and crew lounges, private restrooms, meeting spaces and concierge services, alongside interiors designed with natural materials and refined furnishings to create a calm, contemporary atmosphere.
A key passenger benefit is the facility’s location adjacent to aprons 2 and 3, allowing travellers during technical stops to relax in the lounge just steps from their aircraft, minimising transfers and waiting times.
Managing Director Stanley Bugeja said the facility combines “efficient aircraft handling and a premium, highly personalised service experience”.
6 May
INTERNATIONAL. Collinson-owned owned airport hospitality specialist Priority Pass has unveiled the winners of its Excellence Awards 2026, honouring standout performers in the Lounge of the Year and One to Watch categories.
Discover details of the winners via our story here.
5 May
REUNION ISLAND. French airlines Corsair has opened a new 138sq m Business Lounge at Reunion Island’s Roland Garros Airport.
Designed with local partners for up to 42 guests, the facility – operated by Newrest – features dedicated spaces for dining, relaxation and work.
The food & beverage offer highlights local cuisine and spirits, including regional rum brands.
1 May
DENMARK. Menzies Aviation has unveiled its refurbished Pearl Lounge at Copenhagen Airport, marking a milestone in the company’s global premium lounge transformation strategy.
The new 800sq m facility opened on 1 May following a three-month refurbishment programme.
Some €2.7 million was invested in the upgrade, positioning the lounge as the largest in the Menzies Aviation Pearl network.
Read our on-location report and see an image gallery here.
INTERNATIONAL. Airport Dimensions has underlined a decisive shift towards digital-first engagement in its latest Airport Experience (AX26) research, with 77% of global travellers calling for a single platform to unify the end-to-end journey.
The new study highlights a clear commercial opportunity for airports to extend relationships beyond the day of travel.
Lounge access remains central to passenger experience according to the research, with family travel emerging as a key driver of uptake.
Some 57% of lounge users said they would be prepared to pay for lounge access, if it was not provided by their usual programme.
We speak to Airport Dimensions CEO Mignon Buckingham to examine the commercial implications of the AX26 research. Read more 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.
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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. |
