There's a new lounge option in Singapore's Changi Airport, as Qatar Airways officially reopens its Premium Lounge at the airport's Terminal 1 on June 29th. The lounge had initially opened in mid-February 2020 but was short-lived due to the pandemic. With the addition of the new Singapore lounge, the airline now has five international premium lounges, all inspired by modern-day Arabic architecture.

Setting the standard

Described as what would arguably be the best business class facility in Changi Airport, the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge features an extravagantly luxurious interior and perfected offerings. The new Singapore lounge not only aims to narrow the gap between business and first class lounges but also sets the bar and blueprint for the airline's future premium lounges worldwide, as highlighted by Chief Executive, H.E. Mr. Akbar Al Baker:

“Now, we are redefining the new standard for business class lounges. We want to ensure that the on-ground experience offered to our passengers is on par with our iconic five-star airline experience. As the first Qatar Airways lounge following this design concept, it will serve as a new standard for all our Premium Lounges going forward.”

Spanning approximately 700 square meters to accommodate 85 passengers, the grand entrance of the lounge showcases Qatar's signature "Marhaba" engraved stand-stone wall with a light display of fresh white orchids. A botanical patterned wall inspired by Singapore's affinity to horticulture and greenery was also added for a local touch.

Thoughtfully planned for different passengers' needs, the lounge features seven other seating areas, including the Principal Lounge, Garden Bistro, High Seating, Martini Bar, Brasserie, and Private Lounge. Should passengers prefer a quieter environment, they can occupy one of the five Quiet Pods that offer a cozy, semi-private space equipped with reading lights, soundproofing, a coat hangar, and universal charging points.

A culinary adventure

While there are plenty of resting options, the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge also offers a variety of culinary treats to ensure passengers are well-fed before their flights. A rare sight in any business class lounge, the premium lounge is equipped with a full kitchen for freshly prepared à la carte food orders on demand, together with a buffet spread offering an international menu from local, Arabic, and Western-influenced dishes.

Passengers can also help themselves at a self-serve deli counter with Arabic mezze, antipasto cheeses, meats, a wide range of bakery items, yogurt, fruit juices, salads, and sweet delicacies. The delicious food is complemented by a wine and cocktail bar with a dedicated mixologist to offer passengers the utmost peace for unwinding before a long flight.

oneworld at Changi

The lounge is not only a joy for business and first class passengers flying with the national carrier but also for passengers flying on similar statues across all oneworld airlines departing from Terminal 1. Unfortunately, the eligibility excludes the top-tier frequent flyers such as the oneworld Emerald or oneworld Sapphire status passengers flying in economy class and does not include any passengers flying in premium economy either.

Qatar Airways also does not provide lounge access for passengers who have upgraded their economy class tickets to business class using miles. On the other hand, passengers who have redeemed their Business or first class tickets with miles outright will be allowed access. For any class of travel, passengers are entitled to the lounge if they are connecting from a oneworld First or business class flight of at least 5 hours on the same day or before 6 a.m the following day. The boarding pass from the arriving long-haul flight will be required for lounge entry.

Being the fifth oneworld lounge at Changi, Qatar joins forces with British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas First, and Qantas Business, although the Cathay Pacific lounge remains closed now. As for the list of oneworld member airlines flying from Terminal 1, it includes British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and Qantas. However, the enjoyment of the lounge is still subject to its opening hours, usually three hours before the scheduled departure time of Qatar's daily flights back to Doha.

The premium line

Although it stands as the most petite oneworld lounge in Changi, the Qatar Airways Premium Lounge has undoubtedly been well-planned and designed to ensure that passengers feel ultimate comfort for utmost relaxation. Qatar Airways is steadily growing its portfolio of Premium Lounges in critical markets, such as the operational lounges in Beirut and London. At the same time, the remaining two in Paris and Bangkok will reopen shortly.