Air India’s Maharaja Lounge brings heritage storytelling to Delhi’s premium lounge scene

Air India’s new flagship Maharaja Lounge, opened in Delhi’s Terminal 3, marks a significant shift in the airline’s ground experience and branding. Spanning over 16,000 square feet, it features distinct areas catering to diverse passenger needs, a rich narrative design inspired by Indian heritage, and elevated food and beverage offerings, enhancing premium traveler comfort and atmosphere.

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Ethiopia’s New Mega Hub: Ambition, Reality, and the Making of a Global Gateway

Ethiopian Airlines is set to transform its operational capabilities with the construction of Bishoftu International Airport, a $12.5 billion hub aimed at handling 110 million passengers annually. Designed for efficient connectivity and sustainability, it presents a strategic challenge to existing Gulf hubs, although success will depend on maintaining high standards throughout its development.

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A New Gateway for San Diego: Light, Space and a Sense of Place

The new Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport features a modern design emphasizing passenger experience, sustainability, and local identity. Created by Gensler, it combines spaciousness and intimacy with abundant natural light and local materials. Despite retaining traditional boarding bridges, the terminal sets a new standard for regional airports, prioritizing comfort and connection.

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Air New Zealand reveals new nature-inspired aesthetic for Business Class lounges

Air New Zealand is reimagining its approach to premium travel with the upcoming Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport. Set to open between 2026 and 2027, the new lounge will feature a warm, local aesthetic, increased seating, and distinct zones for various traveler needs, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to customer-focused design and New Zealand’s heritage.

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Western Sydney Airport now officially unveiled

Western Sydney International Airport, Australia’s first major airport in over 50 years, merges contemporary architecture with local culture. Designed collaboratively, it features an expansive terminal showcasing natural materials and a focus on passenger experience. With investments in local businesses and strong environmental commitments, it aims to serve the community while generating jobs.

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Singapore Changi’s Terminal 5 looks to set the global standard for airport terminals of the future

Singapore’s Changi Airport is redefining airport excellence with the upcoming Terminal 5, part of a massive Changi East development. Designed to welcome 50 million passengers annually, T5 integrates nature into its architecture while leveraging smart technology for efficiency. With a focus on sustainability and community, T5 aims to set new global benchmarks for modern airports.

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Studio Spotlight: PriestmanGoode

PriestmanGoode is revolutionizing aviation design by centering on human experiences and long-term strategies, addressing evolving passenger needs and sustainability. Their employee-owned structure promotes collaboration and innovation across multiple sectors. Projects like Riyadh Air and United’s Polaris demonstrate their holistic approach to creating cohesive, branded journeys while addressing industry challenges and nurturing future talent.

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LOT opens its doors to its latest lounge in Chicago T5, and it’s a blessing for Star Alliance passengers

LOT Polish Airlines has launched a new business lounge at Chicago O’Hare’s Terminal 5, marking its first investment in North America. Designed for passenger comfort, this stylish space features modern decor, relaxation and work areas, a dining section with Polish cuisine, and advanced technology, including automatic dimming windows and fast Wi-Fi.

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Delta raises the bar in JFK with the first of its new Delta One premium lounges

Delta Air Lines has introduced its first Delta One Lounge at JFK, exclusive for Delta One passengers and certain partners. Spanning over 39,000 square feet, it offers premium amenities including fine dining, spa-like services, and unique design elements inspired by Manhattan. Additional Delta One Lounges are planned to open at LAX and Boston Logan soon.

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Dubai’s DWC Al Maktoum gets a whole new look as it bids to become the world’s busiest airport

All eyes might have been on DXB the past few weeks as it struggled to deal with epic rains that hit the UAE. To be fair, we don’t think any airport globally could have dealt with such extreme weather conditions, but now all eyes are turning to its sister airport, situated a little closer to…

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Move over Virgin Atlantic, there’s a new type of ‘Clubhouse’ on the scene

January saw the launch of yet another lounge, The Chase Sapphire Lounge in New York’s LaGuardia (LGA) airport. The Chase Sapphire Lounge was also joined last week by a sister lounge in JFK, in partnership with Etihad Airways, both of which are run by The Club, an Airport Dimensions brand. This might sound complicated, but…

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New bar concept ‘Intervals’ in Hong Kong by Plaza Premium challenges existing lounge offerings

If you’ve travelled through Hong Kong recently, you might have stumbled across a new bar situated atop of the Sky Bridge connecting HKIA’s satellite terminal. Dubbed ‘Intervals’ It’s Plaza Premium Group’s new bar offering, is set to offer “a remarkable culinary journey,” states the press release. “Passengers passing through Hong Kong can now indulge in…

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Studio Spotlight: Viewport Studio

In the first of a series of TheDesignAir Studio Spotlights, we take a look at Viewport Studio, an award-winning multidisciplinary practice with a track record of more than 25 years of experience on projects completed internationally.  Based out of London and Singapore, Viewport Studio comprises a team of architects and designers across a mix of…

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Foster + Partners reveal striking new airport designs for a new Polish mega airport

A Foster + Partners and Buro Happold consortium has won the competition to design the new CPK airport between Warsaw and Łódź. “The pivotal project will act as a symbolic gateway to Poland, a 21st century transport interchange which brings together air, rail and road, while reflecting the country’s national identity and providing exceptional passenger experience,”…

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A new sustainable, yet ultra-modern pier is coming to Zurich International Airport

June saw the announcement of a brand new pier at Zurich’s International Airport. After over 35 years in operation, Dock A has now reached the end of its life cycle and has to be replaced. In its place, will sit a brand new and stunning construction, brought to life by the teams at BIG, HOK…

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British Airways and American Airlines reveal new JFK Terminal 8 offering

American Airlines and British Airways have now announced greater detail surrounding their plans to co-locate operations at JFK’s Terminal 8 from December this year. Together the two airlines co-location should offer a more seamless customer experience while also supporting the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s ambitious plan to transform JFK into a leading…

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Plaza Premium opens second lounge in South America, this time in Sao Paulo

Plaza Premium Group has announced its plans for its second foray in to the South American market, this time in Sao Paulo. The opening of Plaza Premium’s latest lounge in mid-September in Brazil’s Guarulhos International Airport Terminal 2 is apparently just one more step on the brand’s ambition to open more lounges in the future…

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Manchester’s renovated Terminal 2 reopens, and it’s a huge improvement

July saw the very first passengers travelling through Manchester’s Airport’s new terminal extension, marking a major milestone in the Northern gateway’s 83-year history. Work started on the transformation in 2017 and – despite a delay of more than one year to the opening as a result of the pandemic – the facility was officially opened…

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Hot Hotel: Santorini Sky, Santorini

For those of us who are trying to juggle the ever-changing landscape when it comes to emerging from our stay-at-home caves and craving some Vitamin D, there’s finally good news on the Horizon. As countries start their vaccination programmes, destinations like Greece are finally opening up to those vaccinated, COVID-free and those who’ve recovered from the virus…

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Ho Chi Minh’s newest super-hub airport Long Thanh, in Vietnam starts construction

Situated approximately 40kms from Ho Chi Minh City Centre, the latest super-hub airport in Asia last week commenced construction, with an estimated first phase completion in 2025. The Long Thanh International Airport is one of the most interesting new airport developments globally right now, and reflects the relatively huge upswing in air travel to and…

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A purr-fect new addition to CDG

Even in the midst of a pandemic, Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris has continued to update its terminals in a bid to remain a competitive hub for international travellers in 2021 and beyond. The new departure lounge in Halle L of Terminal 2E at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport has just opened to the public.…

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Amaala unveils new airport design, representing a desert mirage.

Amaala, a luxurious destination located along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, has just unveiled plans for a new international airport, with a design inspired by the optical illusion of a desert mirage which will act as a striking entry point to many International visitors. There’s good reason the terminal might look somewhat familiar, it’s been imagined…

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LaGuardia’s transformation breathes new life (and light) in to the airport

Yesterday saw the opening of the brand-new Terminal B Arrivals and Departures Hall at LaGuardia Airport, the biggest milestone to date in the airport’s ongoing $8 billion transformation into a 21st century airport. The project – one of the largest public private partnerships in aviation history – includes the demolition and replacement of every terminal…

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Western Sydney Airport, a new mega hub for Australia reveals its terminal designs by Zaha Hadid and Cox Architecture

Last week saw Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture win the international design competition for the new Western Sydney Airport (WSA) and have been appointed as Master Architect for the project. The ZHA/COX team was selected from a broad field of forty national and international applicants that was narrowed to five selected design competitors. The…

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Swiss opens stunning new Alpine lounge in Zurich, to ease crowding and re-inject a true taste of Swiss culture

Today sees the opening of the latest Swiss lounge in Zurich, replacing the old First Class lounge in the A gates of Terminal 2, the new Alpine Lounge helps provide some respite to the Schengen departure swells due to the morning and evening flight banks. The airline has several lounges already across Zurich, and all…

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Doha’s Hamad International Airport expansion features indoor gardens and water features. A ‘growing’ trend?

Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have just announced plans for the second expansion phase in Doha. HIA’s expansion project will include a fairly grand 10,000 square metre indoor tropical garden in a central concourse as well as a 268 square metre water feature which will be the focal point of the expansion project. The…

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British Airways opens new lounge in San Fransisco with First dining concept

British Airways is making strides in bringing its new lounge concept to life across the globe. This week saw the carrier unveil its latest new lounge in San Francisco, the third lounge Stateside to benefit from the airline’s investment plan for its customers. The new contemporary lounge replaces the existing space, and is spread across…

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Star Alliance Opens Latest Branded Lounge In Paris, CDG

Star Alliance has officially completed the refurbishment of its seventh branded lounge, first opened 11 years ago at Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. At 980 square metres the lounge offers seating for just over 220 guests and takes influence from Parisian design and architecture. Muted greys, parquet flooring and stylish seating creates another residential approach, reflecting the…

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British Airways To Introduce Wave Of New Lounges, Headlined By New Club Lounge In JFK

Joining British Airways’ recently completely renovated First lounge in New York’s JFK Terminal 7, the airline has just opened its doors to its new Business Class lounge. No longer called a Galleries Lounge, the new Club Lounge features the airline’s latest ground services design palette (following Rome and Aberdeen). It now completes a £52 million investment,…

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Changi’s Jewel In The Crown Set To Open In Singapore Next Week

We can’t pretend that we are not excited, one of the most ambitious airport builds in South East Asia is almost complete. Jewel Changi Airport was unveiled yesterday, with Singaporean residents given a first sneak peek into the one-of-a-kind lifestyle destination. The massive 135,700 sqm complex, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, features a distinctive dome-shaped…

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