Etihad Airways has announced a redesign of its London Heathrow lounge, set to open in summer 2027, marking the first ground-side application of the Abu Dhabi carrier’s Beyond Borders design identity.
The Heathrow lounge will serve as the template for a broader rollout across Etihad’s global network. The airline previewed elements of the concept at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, showing a central feature and bar design that will form part of the finished space. Separate lounge sections are planned for Business and First class guests, with private suites available for passengers travelling in The Residence.
The design concept, described by the airline as drawing on Abu Dhabi’s natural landscape and built environment under the idea of “from sand to superstructure,” was first introduced through Etihad’s new aircraft interiors.
The Heathrow project extends that visual and material language into the lounge format, with the intention of creating recognisable shared touchpoints across aircraft cabins and airport spaces without making each environment identical.
“Our new lounges are an important part of the Etihad experience and London Heathrow marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It will be the first lounge to bring our new design language fully to life on the ground, creating a space that feels uniquely Etihad and distinctly connected to Abu Dhabi. The thinking behind Beyond Borders is that our guests should increasingly recognise the same Etihad identity wherever they are in their journey. That doesn’t mean every space or every aircraft needs to be identical, but there should be a clear connection through our design, hospitality, dining, wellbeing and service. London is the beginning. As we expand our lounge network, we have an opportunity to create a more consistent premium experience on the ground while continuing to bring the warmth and character of Abu Dhabi to our guests around the world,” Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways said in a statement.
The lounge announcement follows the world debut of Etihad’s new A330 cabin at ATM and the showcase of the Beyond Borders design on its A321LR. The Heathrow project sits within Etihad’s stated $20 billion investment programme in new aircraft and customer experience, which includes a $1 billion fleet retrofit.
