USA/UAE. British Airways has unveiled a bold new lounge design with the opening of two high-class spaces at Miami International Airport and Dubai International Airport.
The launches mark the debut of a global lounge concept that blends British Airways’ heritage with each destination’s distinctive identity, forming a key part of the airline’s £7 billion (US$9.4 billion) transformation programme.
Developed in partnership with global architecture firm Gensler, British Airways said the new design will serve as the blueprint for future lounge developments across the airline’s network.
Miami
The Miami lounge, located in Terminal E, spans 13,000sq ft, making it British Airways’ largest lounge outside London. It marks the first time in decades British Airways has had its own lounge at the airport.
The design takes cues from Miami’s iconic Art Deco style, using local contractors such as TGA Consulting, Nunez Construction and Bermello & Ajamil.
The space features five distinct zones: a full-service bar, main dining area, focus pods, a lowered central lounge and private seating areas. Large windows provide panoramic views of the airfield, enhanced by bright, natural light.
At the heart of the lounge is a full-service bar staffed by experienced bartenders, offering classic cocktails and local specialities, including a lounge-exclusive Prickly Margarita. Local ales and a wide selection of spirits and mocktails are also available.
A self-serve dining area offers locally sourced dishes with a British twist. Options include papaya and kale salad with toasted coconut and seared South Florida flounder with lemon and Kalamata olives.
The lounge’s ‘look-up’ feature – a mirrored ceiling revealing the phrase ‘London Calling’ –adds a playful nod to the airline’s heritage.
For First Class passengers, the Concorde Dining Room delivers an elevated à la carte experience. Highlights include Wagyu beef strip loin with truffle reduction and roasted diver scallops, paired with Champagne and English sparkling wines, including Pommery Cuvée Louise 2005.
Dubai
The Dubai lounge, located in Terminal 1, covers nearly 5,800sq ft. Designed with Middle Eastern architectural influences, such as patterned fretwork, sweeping arches and mirrored walls, the space was built in collaboration with local contractor Al Tayer Stocks.
Guests enter through a framed archway into a space defined by fluted marble, antique mirrored ceilings and artisanal details. The central chandelier in the main dining area is framed by mirrors and features the British Airways ‘speedmarque’ – a signature look-up element.
Seating includes the use of traditional British fabrics and washrooms feature locally sourced geometric tiles.
A self-serve dining area offers a fusion of Middle Eastern and British cuisine, including Arabic breakfast, mezze platters and a range of desserts. Premium drinks include a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Bucks Free Fizz with Lyre’s non-alcoholic sparkling wine.
Coffee is provided by UAE-based Coffee Planet, while Birchall, British Airways’ new global tea partner, supplies tea.
First Class passengers have access to the private Concorde Dining Room via a dedicated entrance. The menu features Arabic mezze, the dessert Umm Ali, Scottish smoked salmon and the Concorde Wagyu burger, served across varied seating options.
British Airways Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming said, “We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new design concept with lounges in both Miami and Dubai.
“These unique spaces have been created with our customers in mind and are the next step in our extensive lounge transformation plan.
“We’re proud to bring our brand to life in these spaces, having blended our British originality with each destination’s unique character.”
Gensler Design Director Ashley Dowell said, “We are honoured to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the global lounge concept.
“Hospitality driven and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens.”
The two launches follow recent British Airways lounge upgrades at London Gatwick, Lagos, Singapore Changi, Seattle and Washington Dulles airports. ✈
