British Airways Lounges Get Surprisingly Stunning New Design: I’m Impressed

British Airways operates quite a big lounge network globally. In recent years, the airline has been renovating its lounges, and overall, I’ve been impressed by the changes that have been made. However, the airline has now revealed an all-new design concept, which will be using for all lounges going forward. I’ve gotta say, I think the airline did a stellar job…

British Airways showcases new lounge design in Dubai & Miami

British Airways recently opened a new lounge at Dubai International Airport (DXB), and is now opening a new lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA). These are the first two lounges to get British Airways’ new lounge design concept, which will be used as the vision for future lounge developments.

British Airways describes the design as carefully blending the carrier’s British style with the locality of each destination. British Airways is partnering with global architecture and design firm Gensler on these designs.

The new design concept is intended to establish a cohesive architectural identity that connects the lounges worldwide, drawing inspiration from the company’s heritage and the character of each designation. The spaces are intended to feel welcoming, intuitive, and restorative.

In the case of these two lounges, the Dubai location is using the fretwork patterning and architecture found in the United Arab Emirates, and the Miami location is using the Art Deco features found in the area. Both lounges have full-service bars as focal points, menus with local ingredients with a British twist, and exclusive Concorde Dining Rooms.

There’s also a playful side to the lounge design. For example, at the entrance to the Miami lounge, there’s a floor mural that, when viewed through the mirrored ceiling, reveals the words “London Calling.”

Below are some pictures of the new British Airways Lounge Miami (though I’ll talk more about this in a separate post, since it’s also my home airport).

Below are some pictures of the new British Airways Lounge Dubai.

Here’s how Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, describes these lounge updates:

“We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new design concept with new 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. Whether they’re looking to relax, dine, work or enjoy a drink at the fully staffed bar, there’s something for everyone. “

“We’re proud to bring our brand to life in these spaces, having blended our British originality with each destination’s unique character. This approach has allowed us to make the most of brilliant talents from around the world. We’re grateful to all the teams, both within British Airways and our partners, who’ve helped make our vision a reality. We are incredibly excited to welcome our customers to these new lounges.” 

British Airways nailed this redesign, in my opinion!

I’d like to think I’m pretty balanced when it comes to British Airways, which is to say that I have no issues calling the airline out when it falls short, and no issues giving the airline credit when it comes something well. So yeah, I’ve gotta be honest, I think British Airways has done an exceptional job with its lounge redesign.

These lounges look elegant and luxurious, and in particular, I love how they still have some local flair, so that they’re each unique, while still being connected in some way. I’ll take it a step further — at least based on the limited pictured shared, I think this might just be my favorite lounge design concept we’ve seen aside from Cathay Pacific.

Now, let me emphasize that I’m referring specifically to the design (hard product), and that says nothing of the soft product. But at least the airline got that detail right.

We know that British Airways is planning on completely overhauling its London Heathrow lounge locations as of 2026, so I imagine the lounges will get a similar glow-up. This should be a very nice improvement over the existing British Airways Concorde Room, British Airways Galleries First Lounge, etc.

I really don’t want to give Lufthansa a hard time (the airline has a hard enough time already), but I think it’s also worth mentioning that we recently saw the launch of Lufthansa’s new Allegris design concept, and… well, I think it pales in comparison to what British Airways is doing.

Bottom line

British Airways has unveiled its all-new lounge design concept, which has debuted in Dubai and Miami. The new design is supposed to blend the carrier’s British style with the locality of each destination, and I think British Airways nailed it.

Now, the soft product might not be that amazing, but I think the airline did a commendable job with the design, and I look forward to visiting these lounges in person.

What do you make of British Airways’ new lounge design, and do you like it as much as I do?