Phê Vé
June 19, 2026 • 3 min read
Qantas has scrapped its plans to open a first-class lounge at London Heathrow after failing to find suitable space. Instead, the airline will enhance its existing lounge to improve the passenger experience.
Introduction to Qantas' First Class Lounge Plans
At the beginning of 2023, Qantas announced exciting plans to open a new first-class lounge at London Heathrow Airport. This news generated a buzz among aviation enthusiasts, as Qantas lounges are renowned for their exceptional service. However, the latest updates reveal that this plan has officially been canceled, leaving many to wonder if it was merely a flashy illusion.
Details About the First Class Lounge at Heathrow
Initially, Qantas aimed to open the first-class lounge at Heathrow by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to expand their lounge network. It was anticipated to be a key highlight of their offerings. Currently, Qantas operates a shared lounge in London that caters to both first-class and business class passengers, as well as Emerald and Sapphire members of the oneworld alliance.
Reasons for the Cancellation
Recently, Qantas announced that they are unable to proceed with the first-class lounge at Heathrow due to the lack of suitable space within the terminal. Despite years of effort from the management team to find an appropriate area, they have been unsuccessful. This is particularly disappointing, as the airline had crafted a perfect image of this lounge without having a practical plan in place.
Promised Highlights
In earlier announcements, Qantas had described the first-class lounge as having direct access to the boarding gate, sweeping views of the airport, as well as top-notch wellness services and culinary experiences. This led many to believe that the space was secured. However, the reality has not met consumer expectations.
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Changes at Qantas' Current Lounge
Although the plans for the first-class lounge have been scrapped, Qantas is still making positive changes to its existing lounge at Heathrow. While the lounge will not be expanded in terms of space, it will be upgraded to enhance capacity and passenger experience. An additional 40 to 60 new seats are expected to be added.
Improving Lounge Space
These changes will include downsizing the bar on the lower level and the staircase to optimize the space. Additionally, a special dining area for first-class passengers and Emerald members of oneworld will be introduced, elevating the culinary experience for users.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
For Vietnamese travelers planning to fly with Qantas, enjoying the luxury of the lounge can greatly enhance your journey. Please note that to access the Qantas lounge at Heathrow, you will need a first-class boarding pass or be an Emerald member of oneworld. Preparing your boarding pass in advance and checking lounge access conditions will help ensure a seamless travel experience.
Conclusion
In this instance, Qantas has confirmed that they will not be opening a first-class lounge at Heathrow, which has disappointed many passengers. However, with positive changes coming to the existing lounge, we hope that Qantas will continue to provide outstanding experiences for travelers.
Article referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time
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