Etihad Airways has just unveiled a new lounge design concept, which will be debuting at an outstation lounge in 2027. Perhaps the more interesting part of this announcement is the news that Etihad plans to expand its lounge network…
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Etihad debuting new lounge design at London Heathrow
Recently, Etihad closed its lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), so that it could undergo a renovation. While the lounge was definitely getting to the point where it needed that, we’re now learning this is part of something bigger. Etihad is launching the next generation of its global lounge experience, and that will be debuting in London when the lounge reopens in the summer of 2027.
Etihad has increasingly been leaning into the “Beyond Borders” branding to describe its product offering, to bring greater consistency across the guest journey, as the airline invests in its aircraft, lounges, dining, amenities, wellbeing, and connectivity. So now we’re learning what that looks like on the lounge front.
Here’s how the airline describes the inspiration for the lounge design:
The new design language is born in Abu Dhabi and underpinned by the concept from sand to superstructure, drawing inspiration from the emirate’s natural landscape, architecture and transformation. First introduced through Etihad’s new aircraft interiors, the design will now extend into the lounge environment through a shared approach to materials, textures, lighting and distinctive design details.
Rather than creating identical spaces, the approach establishes recognisable touchpoints that connect Etihad’s lounges and aircraft while allowing each environment to respond to its location and purpose.
With Etihad continuing to expand its first class footprint, each lounge will feature a dedicated space for first class passengers, separate from business class passengers. Furthermore, there will also be a private suite for The Residence, presumably for airports that potentially have service from the A380.
Below you can find some renderings of the new Etihad lounge design planned for London Heathrow.
Huge credit to Etihad here, this lounge design looks gorgeous. The renderings almost look suspiciously nice, to the point that I wonder if it can possibly look this nice in person in terms of finishes, etc.
Etihad plans to expand its global lounge network
Okay, so here’s where it gets even more interesting. When I first read this announcement, I thought to myself “well that’s great, but which lounges will actually get the new design?” After all, Etihad doesn’t exactly have a huge lounge network:
- The Etihad First Lounge and Etihad Business Lounge Abu Dhabi are still quite new, so I can’t imagine they’ll undergo a major refresh any time soon
- The two Etihad lounges in the United States — in New York (JFK) and Washington Dulles (IAD) are run in partnership with Chase, and sort of operate as part of the Chase Sapphire Lounge network
- The only other outstation lounge is the one in London, being referenced here
Well, Etihad claims that this new lounge concept will “extend to the new Etihad lounges across Etihad’s network.” As an Etihad executive claims, “as we expand our lounge network, we have an opportunity to create a more consistent premium experience on the ground while continuing to bring the warmth and character of Abu Dhabi to our guests around the world.”
So yeah, it sounds like Etihad plans to once again expand its lounge network, like it did a little over a decade ago, in the days where James Hogan was CEO (before he moved on to bigger things, like advising Global Airlines). However, the airline has stopped short of actually revealing which airports could get lounges.
For that matter, I can’t think of many airports where Etihad could practically use a lounge of its own, even if the airline were to be able to secure space. Etihad is obviously growing right now, but the carrier is still a lot more boutique than rival Emirates, so building out a huge global lounge network doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
For example, Etihad flies once daily to Singapore (SIN), while Emirates flies five times daily to Singapore. I guess the airline has a good number of frequencies to airports in Thailand, including Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT), but aside from that, I’m struggling. Anyway, I’d be surprised if Etihad actually meaningfully expands its lounge network beyond Abu Dhabi, but I guess time will tell.
Bottom line
Etihad has unveiled a beautiful new lounge design concept, which will be debuting at London Heathrow, once the lounge reopens in the summer of 2027. The design looks great, and I can’t wait to see it in person.
The airline claims this will not only be its lounge design template going forward, but that it will expand its lounge network globally, though no new lounges have been announced as of now. While Etihad is growing, the carrier just doesn’t operate enough frequencies where having a dedicated outstation lounge network makes much sense, at least on any sort of a widespread basis.
What do you make of Etihad’s new lounge design concept, and plans to grow?
Yes, Emirates has a larger presence but Etihad is quite active in some cities. For example, in a few months, Etihad will be flying 6 flights a day to Phuket, 4 to Bangkok, 3 to Kuala Lumpur, etc.
It's interesting how the JFK T4 lounge is both Chase Sapphire and Etihad branded. Comparing it to other Chase lounges, like LGA, SAN, etc., those are not partnered with any particular airline. Wonder why it was done that way, and why other lounges/issuers haven't taken similar opportunities to co-brand. Like, Citi should probably be doing a lot more with Admirals Clubs; of course, Delta already does plenty with Amex; you'd also think Chase would want...
It's interesting how the JFK T4 lounge is both Chase Sapphire and Etihad branded. Comparing it to other Chase lounges, like LGA, SAN, etc., those are not partnered with any particular airline. Wonder why it was done that way, and why other lounges/issuers haven't taken similar opportunities to co-brand. Like, Citi should probably be doing a lot more with Admirals Clubs; of course, Delta already does plenty with Amex; you'd also think Chase would want its logos on United Clubs; and, if Southwest ever actually opens a lounge (*cough*), wonder if Chase will attempt to Sapphire-ze it, or if WN too low-brow for them. Just sayin'...