Qantas is determined to establish a brand-new first class lounge at London Heathrow Airport, but the timeline for this project has evolved. Originally set for a 2025 opening, it now seems more realistic to expect it sometime between 2027 and 2028.
This timeline aligns with the anticipated launch of non-stop flights from both Sydney and Melbourne to London, utilizing the long-range Airbus A350-1000 jets as part of the ambitious Project Sunrise initiative.
The inaugural flights from Sydney are projected to take off in the latter half of 2027, with services from Melbourne following shortly afterward.
However, the initial challenge lies in locating an appropriate space within Heathrow's bustling Terminal 3, which is currently used by Qantas. Notably, the new Qantas London First Lounge will be situated in a different area of Terminal 3 compared to the existing Qantas London Lounge.
The current lounge, which debuted in 2017, is set to be transformed into a business class lounge moving forward.
"It’s widely recognized that Heathrow faces significant infrastructure challenges, particularly regarding space availability, so we’re collaborating closely with the airport on feasible options for our lounge," commented Cam Wallace, Qantas International CEO, during an interview with Executive Traveller.
"We have been engaged in ongoing talks with Heathrow about various possibilities... while we have several ideas, nothing has been finalized yet."
Initially revealed in February 2023, the lounge was expected to open in late 2025 alongside the launch of the non-stop flights from Australia to London, a schedule that has since experienced multiple delays, now anticipated for 2027.
This delay has arguably granted Qantas additional time to refine their plans for the London first class lounge, which the airline envisions will feature direct boarding from the lounge to the airplane, along with expansive views of the airfield, wellness-oriented amenities, and exceptional dining experiences.
Similar to Qantas’ existing first class lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, Los Angeles, and Singapore, the new London First Lounge is expected to embody a distinct character while also reflecting its unique location, akin to the Singapore First Lounge's design.
The current Qantas London Lounge exudes a sophisticated, club-like atmosphere that emphasizes British elegance.
Despite this ambitious vision, Wallace expressed a degree of caution regarding the project. "We want to create something special, but we also need to ensure it’s sustainable economically and that there’s sufficient space available to do it right."
The proposed Qantas London Heathrow First Lounge would cater to first class travelers, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers (along with their Oneworld Emerald counterparts), and members of the exclusive Chairman’s Lounge.
Currently, the daily Airbus A380 flight from London to Sydney, which stops in Singapore, accommodates 14 first class travelers, with Project Sunrise expected to add six additional suites aboard each A350-1000 from Sydney and Melbourne. Each of these Airbus A350-1000s will feature six spacious first class suites designed for maximum comfort.
At present, many discerning first class passengers and Platinum-level frequent flyers gravitate toward Cathay Pacific’s first class lounge, which conveniently shares a wall with Qantas’ business class lounge.
Wallace’s insights reflect similar sentiments expressed by Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson in early 2025. "We continue to explore options for space in London, as the terminal is notoriously constrained," Hudson acknowledged at the time.
"We still haven’t found an area that allows us to commence building a first-class lounge, so we are actively looking into alternatives."
"It’s not that there has been a deliberate postponement of the lounge; rather, it’s about the ongoing quest for available space."
For those keen on premium travel experiences, the evolution of Qantas’ plans for the London First Lounge is certainly a topic worth following. As developments unfold, how do you feel about the balance between luxury and practicality in airport lounges? Are you excited about the potential of this new lounge, or do you believe Qantas should focus on enhancing its existing offerings instead?
