British Airways has announced plans for a new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 5 C Gates as part of a major investment programme that will see its Heathrow lounge portfolio transformed over the coming years.
The new lounge, which is expected to open at the end of 2028, will feature views across the airfield and terminal concourse, alongside British Airways’ latest lounge design concept.
The airline says the new facility will showcase British design and craftsmanship, with materials and finishes sourced from across the UK.
New Terminal 5 lounge
The new Terminal 5 C Gates lounge will feature dedicated areas for dining, relaxation and work, as well as pre-flight shower facilities.
One of its main features will be a 17-metre bar, which British Airways expects to be one of the longest airport lounge bars in the world.
First Class customers will also have access to a dedicated Concorde lounge within the new space, offering private concierge services, elevated dining and additional privacy.
The main lounge will be available to Club World customers and Silver members of The British Airways Club and above, while First Class customers will have access to the dedicated Concorde lounge.
Heathrow Arrivals lounge to be redesigned
British Airways is also completely redeveloping its Heathrow Arrivals lounge, with work due to begin in early 2027 and the new facility scheduled to open by the end of the year.
The new lounge will be the first arrivals facility to feature British Airways’ latest lounge concept, following the design introduced at its recently opened Miami lounge.
The redesigned space will include a coffee bar and deli, larger dining areas, quiet relaxation zones and dedicated work booths.
There will also be 59 shower rooms, including premium shower suites, alongside shared dressing and preparation areas.
First Class customers will benefit from a separate Concorde Arrivals experience, featuring private cabanas, elegant dining areas and enhanced privacy.
New First check-in at Terminal 3
British Airways and American Airlines will also launch a new First check-in experience at Heathrow Terminal 3 this winter.
The dedicated facility will feature a dark red colour palette inspired by British Airways’ First Wing at Terminal 5 and the airline’s latest global lounge design.
It will be available to First Class customers, British Airways Club Gold members and above, as well as equivalent American Airlines members.
The new check-in space is designed to provide a more consistent premium experience from the beginning of the journey through to the flight and arrival.
Wider lounge investment
The Heathrow developments form part of British Airways’ wider investment in its global lounge network.
The airline has recently opened or refurbished lounges in Miami, Glasgow, Seattle and Washington, while work is currently underway in Boston and Newark. Geneva and San Francisco are also due to receive refreshed lounges next year.
The airline’s lounge programme is part of a broader customer experience transformation, which also includes investment in aircraft, technology and onboard products.
Most recently, British Airways announced a full retrofit programme for its Airbus A380 fleet. The aircraft will receive new cabin interiors across First, Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller, with more than 35,000 individual parts being installed on each aircraft.
Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO of British Airways, said the investment represented “a major milestone” in the evolution of the airline’s lounges and would help create a more connected and consistent customer journey.
The latest announcement marks the first phase of British Airways’ plans to transform its Heathrow lounge portfolio, with further developments expected over the coming years.
