Auckland and Sydney are first up.
After a few set-backs, Qantas is looking to get its international business lounge upgrade program back on track to deliver increased seating and updated design for travellers.
First up is the new Qantas Auckland International Lounge which is due to open in early 2026 according to Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. The business and first class lounges will be fully closed this year to accelerate construction of the long-awaited new lounge.
Qantas has not yet advised when the Auckland Lounge’s renovations will commence, however it is confirmed that all passengers with access to the lounge from Qantas Club members to frequent flyers with Gold and higher status and business class passengers will be redirected to the nearby Emirates Auckland Lounge during the closure.
What can passengers expect from this new premium lounge once it reopens early next year? For starters, the separate business and first class lounges will be merged into a single premium space with boosted capacity from 244 to 340 seats. The new space will be designed by David Caon and Akin Atelier – designers of the revamped Qantas Singapore First Lounge – and will be light, bright and full of greenery. Further, guests of the lounge can look forward to a new dining experience highlighting the best of New Zealand’s food and wine.
Additionally, Qantas have confirmed the Sydney International Business Class Lounge will be next in the pipeline for renovations. The same design team of Caon and Atelier will also take on this project implementing their signature clean, understated aesthetic in combination with additional seating capacity and refreshed dining experiences.
Details are vague at this point, and it is unsure if the Sydney lounge will follow in the steps of the Auckland lounge with a complete closure or a stage-by-stage refurbishment approach to prevent a full closure during construction. The date for works is also up to speculation, the original timeline proposed a new lounge for 2018-2019, however now 2026 and 2027 openings are being suggested as likely opening dates.
Here’s hoping Qantas will deliver on their renovation commitments this time around and that the new lounges will be a beautiful space for qualifying passengers to relax, socialise and enjoy.
