Emirates unveils its largest lounge outside Dubai

Dubai: Emirates has opened its most expansive lounge outside of Dubai at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand. The world’s largest international airline said on Friday that the $5 million investment highlights Thailand's importance as a key market in the airline’s network. The airport’s Satellite 1 Terminal (SAT-1) lounge now spans 1,454 square metres and can accommodate 250 passengers.

The airline said the lounge could comfortably accommodate all premium passengers travelling on two simultaneous A380 departures. “The expanded lounge in Bangkok now stands as the largest international lounge facility beyond the airline’s home market,” the airline said.

Emirates’ First and Business Class passengers and Skywards members can use the lounge for pre-flight rest, said the airline. The lounge also offers a range of amenities, including shower spas, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a food and beverage selection.

Emirates now operates 41 airport lounges worldwide, including seven at Dubai International Airport and 34 across its global network.

This year, Emirates will be celebrating 35 years of service to Thailand. Over the years, the airline has doubled down on its plans to grow tourism and business to the key Southeast Asia travel hub. The airline operates five daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok, using a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, as well as double daily flights to Phuket and a daily non-stop service between Bangkok and Hong Kong.

On Thursday, Emirates said it closed its first-class check-in area at Dubai International Airport (DXB) until June this year. When it reopens, passengers can “step through private doors” and check in from the luxurious private lounge, Dubai's flagship carrier said.

In the meantime, the airline said that travellers bound for the US and other destinations may use the check-in desks at Terminal 3.

“Until June 2025, the first-class check‑in area at Dubai International Airport will be closed while we create a new and luxurious private lounge area. During the upgrade, please use first-class check‑in desks 54‑60 for flights to the US and desks 16‑20 for all other destinations,” it added.

In its half-year results for 2024-25, Emirates said Dh44 million was invested to open new facilities on-ground, including Emirates Lounges for premium customers in London Stansted and Jeddah airports, and refurbish the existing facility at Paris Charles De Gaulle. Last year, Emirates also opened its first East Asian travel store in Hong Kong and unveiled its new experiential travel store in London.