British Airways Unveils Bold New Lounge Concept with Openings in Miami and Dubai
- Joe Breitfeller
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
British Airways has announced the opening of new lounges in Miami and Dubai, showcasing a new design concept. The designs blend the airline’s British style with local flare, such as Art Deco in Miami and fretwork patterning and architecture in the UAE.

On Friday (October 10, 2025), British Airways unveiled a bold new lounge design concept, with brand new openings in Miami International Airport and Dubai International Airport. The lounge designs carefully blend the airline’s British style with elements of each destination, with inspiration taken from the Art Deco features of Miami, and fretwork patterning and architecture in the United Arab Emirates. Each lounge features full-service bars as focal points, menus that champion local ingredients with a British twist, and exclusive Concorde Dining Rooms. These openings are the latest part of the carrier’s £7.0 billion transformation program, with recent refreshes in London Gatwick, Lagos, Singapore, Seattle, and Washington Dulles.
In Friday’s announcement, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, Calum Laming, said,
“We’re thrilled to be unveiling our new design concept with new lounges in both Miami and Dubai. These unique spaces have been created with our customers in mind and are the next step in our extensive lounge transformation plan. Whether they’re looking to relax, dine, work or enjoy a drink at the fully staffed bar, there’s something for everyone.
“We’re proud to bring our brand to life in these spaces, having blended our British originality with each destination’s unique character. This approach has allowed us to make the most of brilliant talents from around the world. We’re grateful to all the teams, both within British Airways and our partners, who’ve helped make our vision a reality. We are incredibly excited to welcome our customers to these new lounges.”
Ashley Dowell, Design Director and Senior Associate at BA’s design partner, Gensler, added,
“We are honoured to have partnered with British Airways to carve the path for the global lounge concept being introduced around the world. Hospitality driven and inspired by the heritage of British Airways, combined with the rich vibrancy of each location, the lounges will reflect a global journey framed through a British lens. Welcoming, intuitive and bold, the new lounges offer a surprising retreat for travellers to relax, work and socialise in the midst of their travels.”
Drawing inspiration from the airline’s heritage and the character of each destination, the mew lounges have been designed to feel welcoming, intuitive, and restorative, creating moments of calm, connection, and delight for customers wherever their journey takes them. Reflecting the airline’s playful side, ‘look-up’ moments feature across British Airways’ lounges, adding a touch of surprise. For example, upon arrival in Miami, guests are greeted by a floor mural that, when viewed through the mirrored ceiling, reveals the words ‘London Calling’ as a homage to the airline's home.
British Airways' New Miami International Airport Lounge - Courtesy British Airways
For the first time in decades, British Airways will open their own lounge at Miami International Airport (MIA) today. Located in Terminal E, the 13,000 square-foot space becomes the largest lounge outside of London solely operated by British Airways. With large windows along its walls, this lounge has sweeping views across the airfield and makes use of the beautiful Miami skies and light. British Airways used Miami-based contractors, including TGA Consulting, Nunez Construction and Bermello & Ajamil architects, as well as U.S. sourced materials that reflect both quality and craftmanship.
Serving as a focal point of the lounge, a striking full-service bar is carefully positioned in front of windows that flood the space with light. Experienced bartenders are on hand to craft a selection of classic cocktails and mocktails, including a Prickly Margarita, unique to this lounge, along with a large range of spirits and beers, including local ale.
The layout of the lounge offers five distinctive zones that flow seamlessly into each other while offering individual spaces. In addition to the central bar, it includes a main dining space, focus pods, and a lowered central lounge with partitions for those looking for a private space. Additionally, two shower suites and colorful striped washrooms, inspired by traditional Miami deck chairs, provide travellers with a refreshing reset, complete with a reception and amenities.
The self-serve dining area offers locally-sourced dishes that champion seasonal Miami produce with a British twist, all freshly prepared in the new state-of-the-art restaurant-style kitchen. Guests can expect local papaya and lacinato kale salad with toasted coconut and citrus honey vinaigrette, and seared South Florida flounder with lemon, Kalamata olives, fried capers and rice. Guests travelling in First Class can enjoy an elevated à la carte dining experience in the exclusive Concorde Dining Room. Along with a more personalized service, the experience includes a range of dishes such as Wagyu beef strip loin with roasted trumpet mushrooms and a truffle reduction, or roasted diver scallops. Guests can also enjoy Champagne and English Sparkling Wine, including Pommery, Cuvée Louise 2005.
Located in Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport (DXB) the nearly 5,800 square-foot Dubai lounge offers guests an elevated experience that blends contemporary British design and the rich spirit of the UAE. Brought to life by local contractor Al Tayer Stocks, the new space pays tribute to traditional Middle Eastern style, with sweeping arches, patterned metal paneling, and mirrored walls that have taken inspiration from local architecture. Artisanal finishes such as fluted marble, antique mirrored ceilings, and bespoke detailing create an inviting and sophisticated space. The lounge’s ‘look-up’ moment is a chandelier framed by a mirrored ceiling in the main dining area, with the iconic British Airways speedmarque embedded above.
British Airways' New Lounge at Dubai International Airport - Courtesy British Airways
In addition to the full-service bar serving as a focal point, the lounge has a dedicated self-serving dining area offering a range of options including an Arabic breakfast, mezze selection, cakes, and cheeseboard. Guests can also indulge in a selection of premium Champagnes and English Sparkling wines, along with expertly crafted cocktails, such as a Dubai Chocolate Martini, and Bucks Free Fizz, made using fresh orange juice with Lyre's Classico Grande Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine. Additionally, Coffee Planet, a UAE-founded coffee brand renowned for its premium Arabica beans, is available along with Birchall, the airline’s new global British tea partner.
First Class customers can also enjoy elevated service in the exclusive Concorde Dining Room, accessible via a dedicated entrance. The à la carte menu features Middle Eastern signature dishes such as Arabic mezze and sweet dessert, Umm Ali, and British Original favourites including the famous Concorde Wagyu burger and Scottish smoked salmon.
Access to the lounges is available to British Airways’ customers traveling in Club World (business class) or First, British Airways Club members with Silver status and above, and oneworld customers with Sapphire status and above.
Source: British Airways