Plaza Premium Plans Two New Australian Domestic Lounges

Plaza Premium Group has big plans to open two new domestic airport lounges in Australia. The first will open in Sydney Airport's Terminal 2 from early December 2026, followed by another location in Cairns in 2027. These new lounge openings follow the launch of the Adelaide Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge in November 2025, which at the time was Australia's first independent domestic airport lounge.

As is generally the case with Plaza Premium, the Sydney and Cairns domestic lounges will be open to anyone willing to pay, with entry from $29. There are also a number of ways to get free Plaza Premium access.

Plaza Premium has also announced a full rebuild of their Brisbane International lounge, a Cairns international lounge, plus further Australian developments planned for mid-to-late 2027.

New Sydney Domestic Plaza Premium Lounge

The Sydney lounge sits airside in T2, serving departing passengers on airlines including Virgin Australia and Jetstar. It covers 545 square metres and seats 113, with quiet workspaces, high-speed Wi-Fi, charging facilities, barista coffee, locally inspired food and beverage options and a full-service bar.

For Cyrus Wong, General Manager Oceania at Plaza Premium Group, the lounge is about travellers without status who have had little to do before boarding.

"If you are flying out of Sydney's domestic terminal without airline status, options prior to boarding have traditionally been limited. A decade after entering Australia, we are proud to launch our biggest domestic project yet. Whether it is a business traveller needing a quiet hour to work, a family heading on holiday, or a solo traveller wanting a comfortable space to relax, we are making a premium airport experience a normal, easy part of domestic travel."

Cairns To Get Two Plaza Premium Lounges

Cairns is the second new domestic lounge for Plaza Premium, due to open in 2027, and taking over the old Virgin Australia lounge. A new international lounge is also in works for the airport.

Plaza Premium has not yet released a seat count or specific features for the domestic lounge. But given what called home to previous space, we can safely assume a capacity of around 180, and some solid views out over the apron.

Brisbane Plaza Premium Lounge Renovation

The Brisbane International lounge is being completely rebuilt and redesigned. Brisbane is where Plaza Premium first entered Australia in 2016, and the work comes as the airport prepares for growing international demand and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

We're yet to hear much more on the nature of the refresh in Brisbane, or when it will open.

How To Access Plaza Premium Lounges

Plaza Premium Lounge Sydney Domestic access starts at $29 without alcohol or $54 for the standard package. You can make a booking online via Plaza Premium, or enter free with a Priority Pass membership.

Of course, the American Express Platinum and Platinum Business cards offer free Plaza Premium Lounge access, for both primary and additional cardholders.

Bottom Line

It's great to see Plaza Premium expand its domestic operation in Australia, and Sydney is a logical next step. Hopefully it also eases crowding at the Virgin Australia lounge, or even forces a desperately needed refresh there.