Etihad introduces new global lounge experience

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has unveiled the next generation of its global lounge experience, with the revamped London Heathrow Lounge set to open in summer 2027 as part of a broader expansion of its lounges worldwide.

The Heathrow lounge will be the first to introduce Etihad’s new Beyond Borders design language to the ground experience, beginning a new design cycle that will increasingly connect the airline’s lounges and aircraft through a recognisable Etihad look and feel.

The new lounge experience is part of Etihad’s wider Beyond Borders product and service strategy, designed to create greater consistency across the passenger journey as the airline invests in its aircraft, lounges, dining, amenities, wellbeing, connectivity and service. The approach aims to deliver a more connected and recognisable Etihad experience across the airport, lounge, aircraft and destination. It forms part of Etihad’s US$20 billion investment in new aircraft and customer experience, including a US$1 billion fleet retrofit programme.

The transformed London Heathrow Lounge will be the first to fully showcase Etihad’s new lounge design. Passengers at Etihad’s ATM stand were given an early preview of the concept, including a central feature and new bar design that will be incorporated into the Heathrow lounge.

The new design and experience will also be introduced across Etihad’s network of lounges. Together, the lounges will serve as premium gateways to the Etihad experience. Each lounge will offer dedicated spaces for business and first-class passengers, along with private suites for passengers travelling in The Residence.

“Our new lounges are an important part of the Etihad experience, and London Heathrow marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It will be the first lounge to bring our new design language fully to life on the ground, creating a space that feels uniquely Etihad and distinctly connected to Abu Dhabi. The thinking behind Beyond Borders is that our guests should increasingly recognise the same Etihad identity wherever they are in their journey. That doesn't mean every space or every aircraft needs to be identical, but there should be a clear connection through our design, hospitality, dining, wellbeing, and service,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways.

“London is the beginning. 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,” he added.

The new design language originates in Abu Dhabi and is inspired by the concept of from sand to superstructure, drawing on the emirate’s natural landscape, architecture and transformation. First introduced through Etihad’s new aircraft interiors, the design will now extend to the airline’s lounges through a consistent use of materials, textures, lighting and distinctive design elements.

Rather than creating identical spaces, the design approach introduces recognisable elements that connect Etihad’s lounges and aircraft while allowing each space to reflect its location and purpose.

The lounge announcement follows the world debut of Etihad’s new A330neo cabin at ATM, alongside the unveiling of the Beyond Borders design on its A321LR. Together, the aircraft and lounge developments offer an early look at how Etihad’s new design language will connect different stages of the passenger journey.

As Etihad enters a significant period of growth, the London Heathrow Lounge will mark the start of a new chapter for its global lounge network, with further developments planned as the Beyond Borders design and experience are introduced across more of the Etihad journey.