AIRPORT HOSPITALITY WORLD ROUND-UP
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27 May
USA. Alaska Airlines is set to open a new flagship Alaska Lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in late 2027.
The facility will become the largest airline lounge in Seattle and among the largest in the US, spanning more than 41,000sq ft across two levels with seating for approximately 700 guests.
The development forms part of Alaska Airlines’ broader expansion of its global footprint and premium hospitality proposition.
Located within Seattle’s recently refreshed C Concourse, the lounge will feature panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the airport apron.
Planned amenities include shower suites, multiple premium bars, à la carte dining and chef-curated seasonal menus, representing what the airline described as a significant evolution of the Alaska Lounge concept.
The main floor will cater to Alaska Lounge members, day-pass users and eligible First Class passengers, while the upper level will be dedicated to international long-haul travellers, including Suites and lie-flat guests alongside eligible Atmos Titanium members travelling internationally.
Both levels will offer locally inspired cuisine, Pacific Northwest craft beers, cocktails and hand-crafted espresso beverages.
The Seattle project forms part of a wider multimillion-dollar investment programme across the airline’s lounge network.
Additional developments include a new lounge in Portland opening this summer, alongside Alaska Airlines’ first lounge in San Diego and a new expanded facility in Honolulu, both scheduled to open in early 2028.
25 May
USA. Air India has opened its newest signature lounge, The Maharaja Lounge, at San Francisco International Airport.
Officially welcoming guests from 23 May, the opening forms part of Air India’s wider transformation strategy and follows the recent debut of its flagship Maharaja Lounge in Delhi.
Located near Gate A1 in the airport’s International Terminal, the 3,300sq ft lounge accommodates up to 80 guests and is accessible to Air India First and Business Class passengers alongside Platinum and Gold tier members of the Maharaja Club loyalty programme.
A dedicated private area has also been created exclusively for First Class travellers.
Designed by global hospitality design consultancy Hirsch Bedner Associates, the interiors combine contemporary styling with Indian-inspired elements, incorporating the airline’s signature brand colours, curated artworks by local artists and installations created from upcycled aircraft components.
Key features include the Aviator’s Bar (pictured above), live cooking stations serving Indian and international cuisine, airfield viewing areas and a central social zone.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said: “The opening of the Maharaja Lounge at San Francisco builds on the recent launch of our flagship lounge at Delhi, marking the beginning of a new generation of signature lounges for Air India.
“North America has long been a key pillar of Air India’s network, and our continued investments reflect both, this commitment and our ambition to introduce a new standard of travel experiences in the region in time to come.
“As Air India continues to transform into a world-class global airline, we are focused on delivering a consistent, elevated experience across our network, blending modern luxury with the warmth and timeless appeal of Indian hospitality.”
BELGIUM. Ostend-Bruges Airport is enhancing its passenger hospitality offer through a refurbishment of its VIP lounge and wider food & beverage areas in partnership with Erasmus Catering.
A major transformation has been taking place in the departures area over recent weeks, centred on a full redesign and expansion of the VIP lounge.
According to the airport, the renewed space will feature a warmer and more contemporary aesthetic while maintaining a focus on luxury and comfort to ensure “the journey starts in top-notch style”.
Alongside the lounge redevelopment, Erasmus Catering is reconfiguring the broader F&B zone and replacing existing furniture to create what the partners described as a fresher and more welcoming environment for travellers.
The works are now entering their final stages. Ostend-Bruges Airport noted: “It is fantastic to see our partners continuously investing in the airport’s future and our high level of service. We can’t wait to welcome our passengers to this beautifully renewed space.”
USA. American businessman and entrepreneur Craig Santy has launched Opula, an enterprise which aims to transform passive airport passenger dwell time into moments of discovery, interaction and connected commerce across lounges, travel retail, hospitality and premium transportation environments.
Described as an intelligent commerce layer for the premium travel ecosystem, Opula connects premium content, traveller engagement and commerce through a closed-loop platform.
Full story here.
24 May
USA. Officials at Nashville International Airport have confirmed plans for a significant new credit card lounge at BNA, according to the Nashville Post.
The proposed 20,600-square-foot space, reserved for a credit card/common use lounge, will be located in the facility’s North Mezzanine.
It is separate from the recently announced lounges planned by Southwest Airlines and American Airlines at the airport, previously covered in this column.
SOUTH AFRICA. South Africa’s Federal Airlines has opened the Baobab Lounge at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport, strengthening its premium hospitality offer in one of the country’s key safari gateways.
Located just outside Hoedspruit in the eastern reaches of South Africa’s Limpopo Province, the airport primarily serves tourists travelling to nearby private game reserves and to Kruger National Park via the Orpen Gate.
22 May
ROMANIA. Iași International Airport has strengthened its passenger hospitality offer with the opening of a new business lounge in the boarding area of Terminal T4 (Schengen).
The airport said the development reflects a broader strategy focused not only on infrastructure expansion and connectivity growth, but also on improving service quality and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
The lounge is open daily between 06:00 and 21:00, with walk-in access priced at €25 (US$29) per adult for a three-hour stay.
Facilities include high-speed wifi, charging points and an all-day selection of snacks and beverages.
Complimentary access is available for up to two children aged 0-5 travelling with adults, while discounted rates apply for older children.
Iași International Airport added that the facility will also join the Priority Pass and DragonPass networks, alongside selected partner bank and airline access programmes, with implementation dates to be announced later.
20 May
We present an extensive interview, as Menzies Aviation accelerates the global evolution of its Pearl Lounge network, using a major new flagship at Copenhagen Airport (pictured below) to redefine how independent premium lounges compete in an increasingly experience-driven market.
Menzies Aviation Senior Vice President, Pearl Transformation Jo Harrison discusses the company’s expansion priorities, localisation strategy, sustainability challenges and why operational scale, flexibility and partnership models are becoming central to the next phase of premium airport hospitality.
Access the interview here.
19 May
China National Pharmaceutical Foreign Trade Corp., a subsidiary of China Sinopharm International Corp., has teamed up with Plaza Premium Group to introduce Moutai across the hospitality company’s global lounge network through immersive, experience-led environments.
Full story here.
17 May
DENMARK. SAS – Scandinavian Airlines has offered selected partners an early preview of its forthcoming Flagship Lounge at Copenhagen Airport, with the new facility scheduled to open in June 2027.
The airline hosted the partner gathering at its existing CPH Lounge, where attendees were shown first-look visuals and updated plans for the premium hospitality concept, which remains under construction.
According to SAS, the future lounge has been designed around “light, openness and views across the airport”, with the carrier positioning the space as a key enhancement to its premium passenger proposition at Copenhagen Airport.
The lounge will feature an upgraded food & beverage programme centred on a combined bar and barista concept, alongside a bakery serving freshly baked pastries throughout the day.
Renderings and concept images of the future facility are currently being displayed within the existing SAS CPH Lounge for passengers transiting through the hub, and we are pleased to share some of those here.
UK. Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality is strengthening its footprint at Birmingham Airport with the launch of two new premium lounge concepts and the refurbishment of its existing Aspire Lounge, as part of the airport’s wider terminal transformation programme.
Set to open in late June, the development will introduce three distinct lounge propositions aimed at meeting growing demand from business, leisure and premium travellers passing through the gateway.
The existing Aspire Lounge at Gate 1 is being expanded and fully refurbished, increasing capacity to 135 seats.
The upgraded facility will continue to target a broad traveller demographic, supported by enhanced food & beverage options and redesigned interiors.
Alongside the refurbishment, Aspire will unveil the new Luxe by Aspire concept, a 104-seat lounge tailored to business and upscale leisure travellers.
The operator said the design-led space will feature enhanced food & beverage services together with additional areas for work and relaxation.
The highest-tier proposition, Suite by Aspire, has been developed for premium travellers seeking a more exclusive pre-flight experience. The 52-seat lounge will offer à la carte dining and personalised table service within a setting inspired by first-class air travel.
The expansion forms part of a wider investment and growth strategy across Aspire’s UK and Ireland lounge portfolio during 2026.
15 May
USA. Nieuport Aviation and Desjardins have launched a new partnership focused on enhancing the passenger lounge experience at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
The collaboration will deliver a series of upgrades to the airport’s domestic lounge and wider terminal environment, reflecting what the two companies described as a shared ‘people first’ approach to customer experience.
Planned enhancements include the introduction of private office pods for travellers seeking dedicated workspaces, alongside wireless charging facilities, upgraded wayfinding signage and additional greenery intended to create a more welcoming atmosphere within the terminal.
The initiative forms part of Nieuport Aviation’s broader investment strategy for the passenger terminal at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, with the operator continuing to focus on hospitality-led improvements designed to support comfort, productivity and passenger wellbeing.
Executives from both organisations gathered last week to formally mark the beginning of the partnership.
14 May
MEXICO. Aeroméxico has reopened its newly renovated domestic and international Premier Lounges in Mexico City International Airport Terminal 2, marking a further investment in its premium passenger proposition.
Developed in collaboration with design firm Gensler, the refurbished lounges have been created to deliver what the airline described as a “more differentiated and elevated customer experience”.
The redesigned facilities combine gastronomy, contemporary interiors, functionality and curated Mexican art, with Aeroméxico positioning the lounges as a reflection of both national identity and evolving traveller expectations within premium airport hospitality.
The reopening forms part of the carrier’s broader strategy to strengthen consistency across the passenger journey, particularly for high-value and frequent travellers using the airline’s hub operations in Mexico City.
Senior Vice President – Global Sales at Aeroméxico Giancarlo Mulinelli said: “As we continue to innovate and enhance our services, I am excited about what lies ahead for Aeroméxico and our passengers. Together, we are redefining what it means to fly in style and comfort.”
13 May
INTERNATIONAL. Airport Dimensions has shared further compelling insights from its recently launched Airport Experience (AX26) study. The travel experience company has highlighted a growing generational divide in airport engagement, with baby boomers (aged between 62 and 80) significantly less likely than younger travellers to spend time – and money – across the airport ecosystem.
The study, based on insights from more than 11,000 regular travellers globally, found that 26% of boomers prefer to head straight to the gate rather than visit shops, restaurants or bars.
Full story here.
NIGERIA. ALML Group has officially unveiled the refreshed Oasis Lounge at Lagos International Airport.
Designed to cater to the needs of modern travellers, the renovated lounge combines upgraded interiors, enhanced comfort and expanded hospitality services within a calm and contemporary setting.
The Oasis Lounge offers passengers comfortable seating, food & beverage options, and access through multiple lounge membership programmes and airline partnerships, positioning the facility as a flexible premium proposition for both business and leisure travellers using the Nigerian gateway.
Strategically located within Lagos International Airport, the lounge has been developed to provide a more seamless and relaxing pre-flight and post-arrival experience amid growing demand for elevated airport hospitality services across the region.
ALML Group said the reopening marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Oasis Lounge brand as it seeks to welcome a broader mix of international and domestic travellers in the months ahead.
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. |
