QANTAS: Lounge news #1 — Auckland lounges to close for refurbishment

Previously, we knew that the two Auckland lounges, Business and First, were to be refurbished. The plan involved closing one while it was redeveloped and funnelling passengers into the other until both lounges were complete. That is no longer the plan. Now, as reported in ET, both lounges will close, and eligible Qantas passengers will be directed to the Emirates lounge, situated opposite the Qantas lounge.

Lounge Closure and interim arrangements

Closing the whole shebang is meant to shorten the refurbishment time, allowing the lounges to reopen sooner.

ET is reporting that the lounges are due for closure in about four weeks, on 23 April 2025, with an expected opening date of January 2026. That’s close to a nine-month gestation period for the new lounges.

In the meantime, the Emirates lounge, which can accommodate 220 passengers, will extend its hours of operation, operating from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

The new Qantas Lounges

The two current First and Business lounges will be merged into one lounge. This is odd since it is exactly the opposite of what Qantas is doing in Adelaide, where a combined lounge is being separated into a Business and a Club Lounge.

The combined lounge will house more travellers, going from 244 to 340. David Caon and Akin Atelier will complete the design, so expect pale wood and greenery.

New Zealand will be the theme—’Groundbreaking!’ as Miranda Priestly of Devil Wears Prada fame would say. However, this will be good news for the food and particularly the wine offering. Expect an ‘L’ shaped bar, barista station coffee tables, and a range of seating configurations.

Self-serve snack stations and high-stool tables will be repeated from other lounges, including the new Club in Adelaide. There will also be a hot and cold buffet counter.

International features

As Qantas intends to maintain its Sydney to New York via Auckland option, shower and change facilities will be suitable for those travellers. Currently, these via New Zealand to New York flights are planned to continue despite the advent, scheduled for 2027, of the direct Project Sunrise Sydney to New York option.

2PAXfly Takeout

I can’t begin to tell you how long overdue this upgrade of the Auckland lounges has been. Originally, I think it was meant to be done and dusted back in pre-COVID times. Still, ‘eventually’ is better than ‘unscheduled’.

The nine-month schedule is a bit of a shock, but let’s view this favourably as the extent of the root and branch changes they are making to the lounges. I believe everything from the air conditioning, wiring, and plumbing to the interior design.

Let’s just hope they keep the freezer full of Kāpiti ice cream. If you know, you know.