What happened
Qantas has officially scrapped plans to open a dedicated First Lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). The lounge, initially announced in early 2023 as part of a broader lounge network investment and tied to Project Sunrise flights, was expected to open in late 2025. Management stated that despite years of searching, they could not find sufficient space in the terminal. Rather than building a new facility, Qantas will upgrade its existing Qantas Heathrow Lounge. The expansion will add approximately 40 to 60 seats, achieved in part by reducing the size of the downstairs bar area. The existing lounge currently serves first class, business class, and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members