UK’s ‘best’ airport adding luxury pre-departure lounge
A UK airport recently named Britain's best is adding a luxury departure lounge set to open next year. London City Airport, which was voted the Best Airport in the UK the Condé Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, announced last week that it will open its first luxury pre-flight hospitality experience, in partnership with Swissport International’s airport hospitality brand, Aspire Pre‑Flight Hospitality.
The airport, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary next year, said the announcement comes as it "moves ahead with its ambitious growth plans to reach passenger numbers of nine million a year". The flight hub says the new departure lounge will feature a "modern luxury design aesthetic" accessed via a "5* hotel-like lobby within the departures lounge" offering a seamless transition from the security lane to "total relaxation".
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The lounge will feature a "beautifully curated interior with a view of London City Airport’s unique runway". London City Airport says it will have bespoke features "designed for an international audience, including a centrepiece cocktail bar and barista station serving locally roasted coffee".
Guests will be able to enjoy an "ever-evolving artisanal food and drinks menu inspired by adventure and the city of London", it added.
For those looking to get work done on the go, there will also be a dedicated workspace featuring plenty of seating and private booths for business calls.
In its announcement on Tuesday, June 23, the airport confirmed that construction on the lounge is well underway, and it is set to be open by early 2027.
It's open any passengers regardless of the carrier they're flying with. The airport has yet to reveal the fee for using it. However, it has confirmed you'll be able to book online or make walk-in purchase and, in time, via an annual membership.
It follows the completion of a major upgrade to the airport's main departure lounge area in 2024.
Andy Cliffe, Chief Executive Officer of London City Airport, says: “Our partnership with Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality has unlocked an exciting opportunity to bring this space to life at a time when we are growing and innovating across our business.
“The introduction of this exclusive experience is answering a clear demand from passengers and will elevate our unrivalled customer offer and reputation as London’s most loved airport.
"We’re delighted to be partnering with Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality on this project, who have a proven track record of designing and operating luxury lounges in airports around the world.”
Karen Cox, CEO United Kingdom & Ireland, Swissport International says: “The pre-flight experience market is in high growth driven by the new demands of the discerning traveller. Aspire is leading the way, constantly innovating and improving its guest experience to reflect this.
“We are incredibly excited about this project and our leading hospitality credentials in this space make Swissport and Aspire the ideal brand to partner with. London City has an exciting growth trajectory, a talented team and we can’t wait to offer departing passengers and future guests a new pre-flight experience.”