As travel evolves, so do the experiences that come with it. In 2025, airport lounges have transformed into luxurious sanctuaries, providing weary travelers with a taste of opulence before they board their flights. Here’s an extensive look at the ten best airport lounges worldwide, detailing their unique offerings and access requirements.

1. Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, London

Located at London Heathrow Airport, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is a vibrant reflection of the airline's playful and innovative spirit.

• Amenities: The lounge boasts a stylish cocktail bar where expert mixologists create signature drinks. Guests can indulge in an à la carte menu featuring the famous Clubhouse cheeseburger and a traditional afternoon tea service. Fitness enthusiasts can work out on Peloton bikes, while the rooftop garden provides a serene escape.
• Design: The decor is eclectic, featuring art installations and comfortable seating areas. A pool table adds a fun social element.
• Access: Entry is available to Virgin Atlantic Upper Class passengers, Delta One ticket holders, and members with high-tier elite status in the airline's loyalty program.

2. Air France La Première Lounge, Paris

The Air France La Première Lounge at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport epitomizes French luxury and sophistication.

• Amenities: Guests can arrange complimentary chauffeur service to the airport up to six hours before their flight. Inside the lounge, multiple relaxation zones include a cocktail bar and spa services from Sisley. Culinary offerings are crafted by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, featuring dishes like foie gras and lavish desserts paired with exceptional wines.
• Unique Features: The lounge accommodates just 15 guests, ensuring an intimate experience. Private suites with double beds and patios offer the ultimate in privacy and comfort.
• Access: Primarily for La Première cabin passengers, select business class travelers can purchase access for approximately $710 or use Flying Blue Frequent Flyer miles.

3. American Airlines Flagship First Dining

In its Flagship First Dining lounges in Dallas and Miami, American Airlines sets a new standard for airport dining.

• Amenities: Guests enjoy individually seated service featuring a menu that highlights seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include roasted beet and burrata salad, free-range beef tenderloin, and delicate oyster fritters. Beverage selections include premium champagne and curated fine wines.
• Ambiance: The dining area is designed for comfort and elegance, creating a refined atmosphere ideal for pre-flight relaxation.
• Access: Available to Flagship First and Flagship Business Plus passengers on international flights or qualifying transcontinental routes.

4. American Express Centurion Lounges

With 26 locations globally, American Express Centurion Lounges offer a blend of luxury and local culture.

• Amenities: Each lounge features installations by local artists, fine dining menus crafted by regional chefs, and signature cocktails. Some locations provide spa services, while the JFK lounge includes a hidden speakeasy bar.
• Design: The lounges are thoughtfully designed to reflect local styles and cultures, creating a welcoming environment.
• Access: Requires an American Express Platinum, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, or Centurion card, along with a same-day boarding pass. Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders can also enter when flying Delta.

5. Cathay Pacific The Pier First Class Lounge, Hong Kong

The Pier First Class Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport is a luxurious escape designed by acclaimed designer Ilse Crawford.

• Amenities: The lounge features distinct zones bathed in warm amber lighting, with a cocktail bar and a midcentury-inspired restaurant serving refined continental cuisine, including the airline's beloved spicy dan dan noodles. Guests can enjoy complimentary spa treatments, including facials and foot massages.
• Work Facilities: For business travelers, six secluded work suites equipped with iMac computers provide an ideal setting for productivity.
• Access: Available to first-class travelers on Cathay Pacific or Oneworld alliance airlines, as well as top-tier Oneworld Emerald members.

6. Delta Sky Club, Atlanta

Delta's Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is a standout among its nine locations.

• Amenities: The flagship lounge in Concourse B features an outdoor Sky Deck, a sophisticated wine wall curated by Delta’s master sommelier, and rotating Southern tapas created by chef Linton Hopkins. Additional amenities include an art gallery showcasing local artists and well-appointed shower facilities.
• Atmosphere: Designed for relaxation and socialization, the lounge offers diverse seating arrangements and dining options.
• Access: Open to Delta One, first, or business class passengers on international or transcontinental routes, as well as paid annual members and elite Medallion status holders.

7. Emirates First Class Lounge, Dubai

Emirates operates multiple First Class Lounges throughout Dubai International Airport, welcoming travelers up to four hours before departure.

• Amenities: The lounges include a dedicated wine cellar, a Timeless Spa for complimentary treatments, a specialty coffee bar, and a cigar lounge. Guests can enjoy extensive buffets featuring international cuisine or à la carte options.
• Unique Features: In-lounge duty-free shopping and semi-private quiet rooms for relaxation enhance the experience.
• Access: Available to first-class passengers on Emirates flights or those with Skywards Platinum status. Business class passengers can purchase one-time access upgrades.

8. Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Frankfurt

Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport is a luxurious haven for premium travelers.

• Amenities: This terminal allows travelers to bypass the main terminal entirely, offering valet parking and private security screening. Inside, guests can enjoy a cigar lounge, an extensive whiskey bar with over 100 varieties, full-service dining, and luxury shower rooms.
• Unique Features: Passengers are escorted directly to their aircraft via chauffeur service, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
• Access: Restricted to first-class passengers on Lufthansa or connecting flights operated by partner airlines, with additional access for ultra-elite Hon Circle members.

9. Qantas First Lounge, Sydney

The Qantas First Lounge in Sydney provides a stunning retreat, welcoming guests with a living plant wall and an impressive mechanical destination board.

• Amenities: Travelers can indulge in seasonal dishes from renowned chef Neil Perry, enjoy complimentary spa treatments, and relax in marble-clad shower suites. Private meeting facilities are also available for business travelers needing a quiet space.
• Atmosphere: The lounge combines modern design with nostalgic elements of aviation history, creating a unique and calming environment.
• Access: Available to first-class passengers on Qantas, Emirates, or Oneworld partners, as well as elite status holders.

10. Qatar Airways Al Mourjan Business Lounge, Doha

The Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Doha's Hamad International Airport is renowned for its spacious design and extensive amenities.

• Amenities: The lounge features dedicated family areas, both social and quiet seating zones, and multiple dining venues offering international cuisine. Entertainment options include gaming areas with pinball machines and PlayStation consoles, as well as a Formula 1 racing simulator.
• Unique Features: Numerous shower suites and semi-private resting areas cater to both relaxation and productivity, making it a versatile space for all travelers.
• Access: Open to business and first-class passengers on Qatar Airways or Oneworld partners, with options for economy passengers to purchase access in advance.

These lounges represent the pinnacle of luxury and comfort in the travel experience, transforming airports from mere transit points into destinations in their own right. With amenities ranging from gourmet dining to spa treatments, each lounge offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of air travel. Securing access to these exclusive retreats is no longer just a luxury but a travel hack that can significantly enhance your journey.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new flagship airline, and Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, have announced a strategic partnership at the 2025 Paris Airshow, showcased alongside a Riyadh Air-liveried A321 aircraft and a Blacklane-wrapped vehicle. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service throughout the entire customer journey.

Under the new agreement, Riyadh Air’s Business Elite and Business Class passengers, as well as eligible loyalty members, will benefit from complimentary luxury chauffeur services provided by Blacklane within a 50-kilometer radius of Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport. The service features elegant, high-end vehicles and is seamlessly integrated into Riyadh Air’s booking platform, allowing guests to arrange their chauffeur as part of their travel experience.

Beyond airport transfers, travelers will have access to Blacklane’s chauffeur services for city-to-city travel, in-city rides, and hourly bookings, both in Riyadh and at any of Riyadh Air’s global destinations. This partnership sets a new standard in the airline industry within Saudi Arabia and internationally, reflecting the shared dedication of both companies to exceptional hospitality and attention to detail.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, highlighted the importance of the partnership: “Our partnership with Blacklane reinforces our ethos of ensuring our customers experience Saudi hospitality with world-class service standards. We revealed our stylish new Business Elite and Business Class seats recently, and this is the next step in keeping our promises to deliver an exceptional premium experience to our guests.

Riyadh Air and Blacklane are two outstanding brands with hospitality and an attention to detail at heart, and our relationship will offer our guests a truly elevated travel itinerary, from the first mile to the last.”Dr. Jens Wohltorf, CEO and Co-Founder of Blacklane, added, “This partnership is more than a service it’s a promise.

 Together, Riyadh Air and Blacklane will offer guests a thoughtfully curated journey, marked by reliability, sophistication, and genuine care. We look forward to welcoming Riyadh Air guests and ensuring every moment of their journey is unique.”

This partnership not only enhances Riyadh Air’s premium offering but also reinforces Blacklane’s position as a leader in luxury chauffeur services worldwide. It promises travelers a seamless, sophisticated experience that begins long before boarding the aircraft and continues well beyond arrival, embodying the future of elevated travel.

Four Wildlife Trusts in England—the London Wildlife Trust, Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside, and Northumberland Wildlife Trust—have received a major multi-million-pound investment through the "Championing Nature" programme, a six-year initiative funded by The All England Lawn Tennis Club and Emirates.

This partnership is specifically designed to bridge the gap between urban communities and the natural world, with a strong emphasis on reaching disadvantaged children, young people aged 16-24, and families who often have limited access to green spaces.

Research underpinning the programme revealed that about one in eight children from low socio-economic backgrounds under the age of 12 has never experienced nature firsthand. Key barriers include a lack of nearby green space facilities (21%) and the cost of transport to such areas (17%). Parents have reported that when their children do spend time in nature, they see notable improvements in mood, happiness, physical activity, and overall health.

Each Wildlife Trust will use the funding to deliver tailored projects in their local urban areas. For example, the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust plans to provide interactive nature-based education sessions for schools—focusing on those with the least access to green space—and launch year-round outreach events for young people and the wider community. The Trust will also upgrade its Centre of the Earth environmental education site.

The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside will focus on community-driven initiatives in Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, including workshops, school partnerships, habitat restoration, and the creation of a nature corridor. Northumberland Wildlife Trust aims to enhance nature connection in urban and suburban areas through school partnerships, educator training, youth activism, and potentially managing a section of a country park in North Tyneside for the next 40 years, co-designed with the local community.

The programme was launched at the AELTC’s Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park, with naturalist Steve Backshall MBE as its ambassador. Backshall emphasized the transformative benefits of nature connection for young people and expressed excitement about the positive changes the initiative will bring to urban communities.

Overall, "Championing Nature" is set to create a lasting legacy by improving urban green spaces, providing environmental education, and ensuring that future generations—regardless of background—can benefit from meaningful experiences with nature.

Qatar Airways Group has unveiled its most impressive financial performance to date, reporting a record net profit of QAR 7.85 billion (US$2.15 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. This figure marks a 28% rise over the previous year, highlighting the airline’s strong recovery and growth. The Group’s total revenues climbed to QAR 86 billion (US$23.4 billion), up from QAR 80.9 billion (US$22.1 billion), as passenger numbers surged to 43.1 million-an increase of more than 3 million compared to last year.

The airline’s cargo operations also saw remarkable growth, with revenues jumping by 17%, representing the division’s best performance since the pandemic. This success is credited to Qatar Airways’ swift response to market changes, ongoing investments in digital technology, and a focus on data-driven strategies that improved operational efficiency.

A key factor in these results was the expansion of Hamad International Airport, which now accommodates over 65 million travelers annually thanks to the addition of new concourses and state-of-the-art boarding systems. These upgrades have not only increased capacity but also enhanced passenger experience with advanced automation and sustainability initiatives, further establishing Doha as a major global transit hub.

Looking to the future, Qatar Airways has made substantial investments, including a historic $200 billion deal with Boeing for 160 new widebody aircraft-the largest order of its kind. This move is set to modernize the airline’s fleet and support its ongoing network expansion.

CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer attributed the company’s record-breaking year to its renewed focus on talent development, operational excellence, and strategic partnerships. With a workforce of over 55,000 employees worldwide, Qatar Airways continues to set benchmarks in the aviation industry, demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid a dynamic global market.

Chairman HE Saad Sherida al-Kaabi praised the airline’s achievements, noting that they stem from careful planning and the dedication of its staff. These historic results not only reinforce Qatar Airways’ leadership in the sector but also signal its growing influence in the global economy.

The Emirates Group has announced its strongest financial results ever for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, posting a record pre-tax profit of AED 22.7 billion (US$ 6.2 billion), marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s total revenue climbed 6% to AED 145.4 billion (US$ 39.6 billion), while cash reserves rose by 13% to reach AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion).

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) also hit a new high of AED 42.2 billion (US$ 11.5 billion), reflecting strong operational efficiency.

At the forefront, Emirates airline delivered a pre-tax profit of AED 21.2 billion (US$ 5.8 billion), up 20%, alongside record revenues of AED 127.9 billion (US$ 34.9 billion). The airline’s cash holdings increased by 16% to AED 49.7 billion (US$ 13.5 billion). Emirates expanded its route network to 148 cities across 80 countries, introducing new destinations such as Bogotá and Madagascar, while resuming flights to major cities including Phnom Penh, Lagos, Adelaide, and Edinburgh.

The carrier enhanced services to 21 destinations and strengthened its global connectivity through 33 codeshare and 118 interline agreements, providing access to over 1,750 cities worldwide. Passenger and cargo capacity grew by 4% to 60.0 billion Available Ton Kilometers (ATKMs), nearing pre-pandemic levels. The fleet expanded with the addition of Airbus A350 aircraft, bringing the total to 260 planes, with an average fleet age of 10.7 years and a substantial order backlog to support future growth.

Dnata, the Group’s aviation services division, also posted solid gains, recording a pre-tax profit of AED 1.6 billion (US$ 430 million), a 2% increase, and revenues up 10% to AED 21.1 billion (US$ 5.8 billion). The division’s cash reserves stood at AED 3.7 billion (US$ 1 billion).

This fiscal year was the first affected by the UAE’s newly implemented corporate tax, resulting in a 9% tax charge and a net profit after tax of AED 20.5 billion (US$ 5.6 billion). The Emirates Group declared a dividend payout of AED 6.0 billion (US$ 1.6 billion) to its sole shareholder, the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Additionally, employees will benefit from a record bonus equivalent to 22 weeks’ salary.

Chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to strong leadership, a resilient business model, and Dubai’s dynamic economic environment. He highlighted plans to reinvest profits into enhancing customer experience, employee welfare, and technological advancements to maintain the Group’s competitive edge.

Emirates’ ongoing network expansion, operational excellence, and premium service focus have solidified its status as the world’s most profitable airline and positioned the Emirates Group as the leading global aviation group for the 2024-25 financial year.

Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry is soaring to new heights, now contributing a staggering SAR340 billion ($90.6 billion) to the national economy—8.5% of the Kingdom’s GDP—according to the latest report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This powerful growth underscores the nation’s ambitious vision to transform into a global aviation powerhouse and top-tier tourist destination.

The IATA’s findings reflect the Kingdom’s strategic investments in infrastructure, talent development, and digital innovation—elements poised to push the aviation sector’s economic contribution even higher in the years ahead. These developments are part of a broader national effort to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil, positioning aviation as a key pillar of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Building a World-Class Air Network

Saudi Arabia is making massive strides to upgrade and expand its aviation infrastructure. Major projects like the expansion of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport and the construction of a new state-of-the-art airport in Riyadh are designed to significantly boost passenger capacity and enhance the travel experience. These developments aim to draw more international airlines and travelers, cementing the Kingdom’s status as a central hub connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In tandem, the government is embracing advanced digital technologies to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction at its airports. Smart systems for baggage handling, automated check-ins, and cutting-edge security measures are streamlining operations and setting new standards for passenger convenience.

Investing in People, Powering the Future

Recognizing that no industry can thrive without skilled human capital, Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in aviation-focused education and training. IATA’s report emphasizes the importance of developing a workforce that can meet the demands of this rapidly evolving sector. Programs offering scholarships, internships, and specialized training are being rolled out in collaboration with industry and academic partners to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.

Currently, the aviation industry directly employs 141,000 people and supports 1.4 million jobs across the Kingdom, encompassing everything from air transport to tourism and supply chain services.

Beyond the Runway: Aviation’s Broader Economic Reach

The aviation sector’s economic impact extends far beyond airports and airliners. It plays a catalytic role in fueling related industries such as hospitality, retail, and logistics. As air connectivity improves, tourism flourishes—bringing with it increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services, and creating a ripple effect of job creation and investment.

Saudi Arabia’s strategic location further enhances its appeal as a global transit hub. Positioned at the intersection of major international travel and trade routes, the Kingdom is uniquely placed to capitalize on rising demand for both passenger and cargo services.