Etihad to refresh Heathrow lounge as part of global premium ground plan

Etihad Airways has set out the next phase of its premium ground experience, beginning with a full renovation of its lounge at London Heathrow Airport. Work is due to start in summer 2027.

Heathrow will be the first ground space to use a design language the airline calls "Beyond Borders", created to bring the look and feel of its aircraft cabins into its airport spaces. The concept was developed in Abu Dhabi and is built around "from sand to superstructure", drawing on the emirate's natural surroundings, architecture and transformation.

Materials, textures, lighting and distinctive details already introduced in its cabins will be shared with ground spaces, the airline said. Instead of repeating identical interiors, the design sets out recognisable touchpoints that respond to each airport's location and purpose. Etihad also described coordinated improvements in dining, amenities, wellness, connectivity and service across the journey.

The Heathrow project is the starting point for a wider expansion of exclusive spaces across the airline's global network. It sits within a USD 20 billion investment programme covering new aircraft and improvements to the customer experience, including a USD 1 billion budget for modernising and refurbishing the existing fleet.

Attendees at the Arabian Travel Market were given a preview of the design.