AIR NEW ZEALAND: New Auckland lounges to double in size for 2026/27 opening

Air New Zealand’s long‑rumoured makeover of its international lounge in Auckland is now official. The airline has confirmed plans to almost double the size of its Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport and split the space into two distinct areas — one for top‑tier fliers and another for regular elite and paid‑up Koru members.

Two lounges under one roof

Under the proposal, the existing lounge’s footprint will expand from about 2 000 m² to roughly 3 700 m². Airpoints Elite members and Business Premier customers will get an exclusive space, while Airpoints Gold, Star Alliance Gold, Airpoints Silver and Koru members will be accommodated in a second lounge.

Chief executive Greg Foran says the design was shaped by customer feedback: “more space, more seating and the ability to choose how they spend their time”.

The overall seating capacity will increase by approximately 70%, addressing chronic overcrowding in the current facility.

What’s inside

The revamped lounges promise quiet workspaces, social zones and family areas. New business areas will include private rooms and single‑seat booths for travellers needing to catch up on work.

Comfortable seating areas aim to provide a relaxing pre‑flight experience, while a dedicated family zone is planned for parents and children.

A bar near the entrance will offer guests the opportunity to grab a coffee before boarding. The airline is also promising improved food and beverages and panoramic views over the runway in the elite lounge.

Design-wise, Air New Zealand says the interiors will ‘celebrate the beautiful sights and textures of Aotearoa,’ utilising colours, materials, lighting, and art inspired by New Zealand’s landscapes and culture. That theme is likely to align with recent upgrades across the airline’s network, which have emphasised local materials and Maori motifs.

Construction timeline

Work is not scheduled to begin until early 2026 and will occur in two phases. Stage one will feature a brand-new lounge for Airpoints Elite and Business Premier customers. This will be built while the existing lounge continues operating at reduced capacity.

Once the premium lounge opens, the current space will close for redevelopment and is expected to reopen by late 2027.

During the construction period, Air New Zealand will provide alternative lounge arrangements, which will be communicated to customers via its app.

2PAXfly Takeout

For frequent flyers and paid-up Koru club members, the announcement signals potential relief from overcrowding. It also hints at a more luxurious pre‑flight experience for elite flyers.

Splitting the facility into two lounges recognises that top‑tier members expect a quieter, more exclusive space.

Families will appreciate the dedicated child-friendly area, while business travellers get better‑equipped workspaces. With completion not expected until late 2027, travellers will have to be patient.

The airline says it plans to reveal more design details later in 2025.

Now, it might be just my cynicism, but are contemporary lounge designs all beginning to look the same?