**Update: 05/17/20 @ 08:50 UTC - A Singapore Airlines spokesperson shared more information on the lounge closure; details below**
Singapore Airlines has decided to permanently shut down its SilverKris business class lounge at Adelaide Airport. The lounge had already been temporarily closed since March 24th, 2020, amid coronavirus concerns. The move comes as the airport decides to work on its current expansion plans during the pause on international travel.
Located on the second level of Adelaide Airport’s International Terminal Building, the lounge was placed after international passport control and was the only one available for travelers on international flights.
A Singapore Airlines spokesperson told Simple Flying that Adelaide Airport took over the reins of the SilverKris lounge on May 1st, to aid in the airport’s current expansion plans. As reported by Executive Traveller, Adelaide Airport announced a “broader redevelopment” for its terminal in 2018, and intends to complete it by 2021.
Airport’s expansion plans
Part of the airport’s upgrading plans includes the opening of further retail and dining choices and an all-new domestic lounge with Virgin Australia. Further, the airport will introduce a shared airport lounge for international travelers.
Some plans have been going according to schedule – as six new retailers popped up in the airport on February 26th. In a statement by Adelaide Airport, the addition of new retailers was Stage 1 of its expansion plans. Conversely, other projects have come to a standstill.
Specifically, Singapore Airlines’ partner, Virgin Australia, failed to unveil its new domestic lounge, which was supposed to open in April this year. Amid the corona-crisis, the airline seems to be focusing on keeping afloat instead. Hence, the future of the lounge remains uncertain – as Virgin Australia entered voluntary administration on April 21st and is currently restructuring.
For customers of Singapore Airlines, the carrier will put in place alternative arrangements in terms of lounge accommodation. The Singapore Airlines spokesperson clarified this with the following statement:
“Singapore Airlines is currently disposing of many items from the SilverKris Lounge via auction. We are reviewing future lounge options for our customers in Adelaide,”
As flight suspensions continue to extend, the airline does have ample time to come up with a solution to keep its customers happy. Currently, flights from Singapore to Adelaide have been suspended until at least July 2020.
SIA lounges closed worldwide
At the time of writing, all of SIA’s lounges are closed due to the ongoing virus pandemic.
Only one lounge remains operational – the SilverKris sitting room located in Singapore’s Changi Terminal 3. For now, the lounge is only open to business class travelers and stays open for limited hours.
Buffet meals will remain suspended at this lounge, however, and customers will receive only some food and beverages.
What is Singapore Airlines up to now?
With temporary restrictions placed on travel, the airline is switching gears in a bid to make ends meet. Earlier this month, the carrier began shuttling seafood, lamb, poultry, eggs, cider, and wine from Adelaide. It was the first of six freight flights that aided in transporting South Australian produce.
On top of that, new enhanced cleaning measures are in place for each aircraft. Mask-wearing and social-distancing measures are now mandatory for all passengers as well, seeing as some flights have resumed.
What comes to mind when you hear of Singapore Airlines’ shutting down its Adelaide lounge? Have you been to any of SIA’s SilverKris lounges? Let us know in the comments.