British Airways will open a new lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5’s C Gates by the end of 2028, featuring airfield views, a 17-metre bar and a dedicated Concorde lounge.
The project forms part of a wider programme to redesign every British Airways lounge at Heathrow over the coming years. The airline has also announced a complete refurbishment of its Terminal 5 Arrivals lounge and a new First check-in facility at Terminal 3, developed with American Airlines.
“This investment is a major milestone in the evolution of our lounges and reflects our ambition to create a more connected and consistent customer journey,” said Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways.
New C Gates Lounge to Include Concorde Space
Work is already underway on the C Gates lounge, which British Airways describes as one of its largest and most ambitious lounge projects.
The design will include separate areas for dining, relaxation and work, alongside pre-flight showers. Materials and furnishings sourced from across the UK will feature throughout, including timber, metalwork and textiles.
A 17-metre bar will be a central feature, with the airline expecting it to rank among the world’s longest airport lounge bars.
The dedicated Concorde lounge will offer a private concierge service, enhanced dining and more secluded spaces for passengers preparing for long-haul departures. Its interiors will use darker materials and richer textures to distinguish it from the main lounge.
Arrivals Lounge Refurbishment Begins in 2027
Refurbishment of the Terminal 5 Arrivals lounge is due to begin in early 2027, with reopening scheduled by the end of that year.
The redesigned space will introduce a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, quiet zones and work booths. Plans also include 59 shower rooms, premium shower suites and shared dressing and preparation areas.
First customers will have access to a new Concorde Arrivals experience, with private cabanas and dedicated dining areas.
The project will be the first arrivals facility to adopt British Airways’ latest lounge design concept, recently introduced in Miami.
“These spaces will take our lounge design concept to the next step, building on Miami and creating a distinctive British Airways look and feel across key customer touchpoints, from First Wing and our lounges to the onboard experience,” said Doyle.
First Check-In Facility Coming to Terminal 3
British Airways and American Airlines plan to open their new First check-in facility at Heathrow Terminal 3 this winter.
The dedicated area for eligible passengers will draw on the design of British Airways’ Terminal 5 First Wing, including a dark red colour scheme, to create a more consistent experience across the airline’s Heathrow operations.
Further Lounge Projects Across the Network
Beyond Heathrow, British Airways is redeveloping lounges in Boston and Newark, with Geneva and San Francisco scheduled to follow in 2027.
The programme follows recent openings and refurbishments in Miami, Glasgow, Seattle and Washington. It also accompanies the airline’s A380 cabin refurbishment plans, which cover First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller.
