Concorde Lounge dedicated to first class passengers. Photo: British Airways British Airways is expanding its investment in the passenger experience and announcing the next phase of its lounge renovation program at London Heathrow Airport.
As part of the move, all of the company's lounges at the airport are expected to undergo a redesign over the next few years, alongside the construction of new complexes and the upgrading of services for premium passengers.
At the center of the plan is a new lounge at Gates C in Terminal 5, which is expected to open in late 2028. At the same time, the company is planning a comprehensive renovation of the incoming passenger lounge in Terminal 5, as well as a new check-in area for first-class passengers in Terminal 3, in partnership with American Airlines.
The new lounge in Terminal 5. Photo: British AirwaysThe new lounge at Terminal 5 will be one of the company's largest and most ambitious lounge projects. It will feature windows with views of the runways and terminal area, along with dedicated spaces for dining, relaxation, work and pre-flight showers.
The design will combine British Airways’ new design language with raw materials and finishes sourced across the UK. Among other things, woodwork, glass and metalwork, textiles and bespoke furniture will be incorporated, alongside architectural elements inspired by the world of aviation.
One of the lounge's focal points will be a 17-meter-long bar, which is expected to be among the longest lounge bars in the aviation world. The complex will also feature a dedicated Concorde Lounge for first-class passengers, with a personal concierge service, an upgraded culinary experience, intimate spaces and a design that emphasizes privacy.
Concorde Lounge dedicated to first class passengers. Photo: British AirwaysThe arrivals lounge at Heathrow is also set to undergo a major overhaul. Renovation work is scheduled to begin in early 2027, with the reopening expected by the end of that year.
The new complex will include a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, quiet relaxation areas and dedicated work cubicles. In addition, passengers will have access to 59 shower rooms, upgraded shower suites and shared organization areas.
First Class passengers will be offered a separate Concorde Arrivals experience, featuring private cabins, designer dining areas and spaces that place an additional emphasis on privacy and comfort after a long-haul flight.
A dedicated check-in area for first class passengers. Photo: British AirwaysBritish Airways and American Airlines plan to open a new check-in area for first class passengers at Terminal 3 at Heathrow this winter.
The complex will be designed in dark red tones, inspired by British Airways’ First Wing in Terminal 5 and the design language of the airline’s lounges around the world. It is designed to give passengers a quieter, more personal welcome at the start of their journey.
The service will be available to First Class passengers, members of The British Airways Club Gold level and above, and members of equivalent American Airlines programs.
The new lounge in Terminal 5. Photo: British AirwaysThe move at Heathrow is part of a wider plan to revamp the airline's lounges across its international network. Upgrades are already underway in Boston and Newark, with more planned next year in Geneva and San Francisco. In recent years, the airline has also opened renovated or new lounges in Miami, Glasgow, Seattle and Washington.
Sean Doyle, British Airways Chairman and CEO, called the investment a significant milestone in the evolution of their lounges and also one that reflects their ambition to create a more seamless and connected customer experience.
"These spaces will take our lounge design concept to the next step, building on Miami and creating a distinctive British Airways look and feel across key customer touchpoints, from First Wing and our lounges to the onboard experience.
By showcasing the best of British design, craftsmanship and hospitality, we will deliver a more premium, seamless experience for our customers. This is the first of many developments in the pipeline, and we look forward to sharing more as we transform the customer experience in the years ahead.”
In parallel with the lounge program, the company is also advancing a comprehensive upgrade of its Airbus A380 aircraft, which includes new cabins in all four classes. The first aircraft in the program is expected to enter service in the coming months, as part of a broader investment in improving the passenger experience.