Qantas Reveals Plans For Sydney Business Lounge Makeover
Sydney International lounge to close for a year during renovations
After years of speculation and quiet planning, Qantas has finally revealed its refreshed Sydney International Business Lounge design. The airline today offered a first glimpse of what promises to be a flagship airport lounge experience, as demand for premium travel continues to skyrocket.
The existing Sydney Business Lounge will close on 8 December 2025, with the new renovated space scheduled to debut in 2027. At more than twelve months of construction, it’s an ambitious project, but early concept renders suggest the result will be an amazing new space. The reimagined lounge draws inspiration from Sydney’s stunning natural landscape, including the Blue Mountains and Bondi.
While the current Sydney International Business Lounge is closed, Qantas will reaccommodate passengers in a temporary space, plus the Plaza Premium Lounge. It’s also possible that some members will receive Qantas First Class Lounge invitations.
First Look: Qantas’ New Sydney International Business Lounge
The upgrades will see the Sydney International Business Lounge increase seating capacity by over 30%. The standout feature is no doubt the 150 square metre outdoor terrace, which will give passengers the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and natural light before boarding.
The lounge will feature a show kitchen as part of a signature Neil Perry dining experience, with plated menu options alongside a manned bar with barista beverages and a curated drinks menu.
Flexible zones will be tailored to different traveller needs, from social spaces to quiet working zones. Enhanced connectivity will be available with USB-C power stations and wireless charging at over 80% of seats.
The space is designed by Caon Design Office and Akin Atelier, the same team that designed Qantas’ brilliant First Class lounge in Singapore. David Caon is well known for his design works with Qantas, from lounges to cabins and even blankets.
Qantas first pledged to upgrade this lounge nearly eight years ago, with completion due in 2019. The project has been talked about on and off since then, but now, work is actually confirmed.
Qantas To Close Sydney Lounge For 12+ Months
The unfortunate reality of a multi-million dollar airport lounge makeover is that the current space must close. From 8 December 2025, Qantas will close its Sydney International Business Lounge for a minimum of 12 months, with a reopening expected at some point in 2027.
During the construction period, Qantas will offer customers two alternative lounge access options - a new temporary International Business Lounge and the Plaza Premium Lounge.
The temporary Qantas International Business Lounge will be located downstairs near Gate 31 and The House Lounge. As an old briefing room for Qantas pilots and cabin crew, it’s safe to assume this is a small space. Hence, Plaza Premium as an additional option for some passengers.
Qantas says it will advise customers which lounge to visit before their flight, although it's safe to assume the temporary space will be filled before the Plaza Premium Lounge. The latter is likely a costly venture for Qantas, but a much-appreciated gesture to ensure uninterrupted premium service is offered throughout the upgrade period.
For Qantas Gold and above frequent flyers, as well as those travelling in Qantas Business or First Class, another alternative would be the Emirates Lounge. This excludes those flying Qantas to North or South America, who are not permitted in the Emirates Lounge. But even though access is offered, the lounge opening hours aren’t optimal for many Qantas flights, with the Emirates Lounge currently open from 4am to 8.20am and then again from 5:10pm to 9:15pm.
We would not be surprised to see Qantas offer some of its Gold frequent flyers ‘surprise and delight’ upgrades to the First Class Lounge. This would likely occur via an invite email before departure, similar to the Flying Kangaroo’s recent offer of Chairman's Lounge access for Platinum One Members. Like snagging a free upgrade to Qantas Business Class, which usually occurs when the Economy cabin is oversold, upgrades to the First Class Lounge are most likely to happen when the temporary Business Lounge is expected to be quite crowded.
Project Sunrise Key In 2027 Sydney Lounge Reopening
Qantas has advised that its Sydney International Business Lounge should reopen in 2027, ahead of the airline’s exciting non-stop Project Sunrise flights from Sydney to London and New York.
The ambitious Project Sunrise was first announced in May 2022, through the order of specially-modified Airbus A350-1000 jets, which were expected to enter service in late 2025. Two years later, Qantas was forced to push back the launch of Project Sunrise until 2026. This wasn’t exactly the Red Roo’s fault, with aircraft manufacturer Airbus slowed down by fuel tank certification and supply chain issues.
The latest update saw Project Sunrise flights delayed until 2027, with delivery of Qantas’ first A350-1000 in October 2026.
To date, Qantas has not confirmed whether New York or London will be the first Project Sunrise destination. But London is tipped as a favourite, given both the significance of the Kangaroo Route and the huge success of Qantas’ Perth-London flights, which in recent years have been one of the airline’s most profitable services.
Qantas already operates a direct flight from Sydney to New York, with a short stop in Auckland, where its stunning renovated Business Class lounge will reopen on 17 December 2025. The opening of the Auckland International Lounge comes as Qantas continues to expand its trans-Tasman flights. The airline just commenced a new seasonal service between Adelaide and Auckland, and from 7 December, will launch a new Auckland to Perth flight.
