SIA will spend $45 million to refurbish premium lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 2

[SINGAPORE] Singapore Airlines will spend $45 million to renovate its premium lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 2, with the work to be completed in stages over two years. When completed, T2's redesigned lounges will offer up to 50% more room and seating capacity, as well as upgraded facilities and food and beverage selections. The lounges serve SIA guests flying in first and business class, as well as frequent flyers with specific statuses.

The renovation aligns with Changi Airport’s broader Terminal 2 expansion, which is set to fully reopen by 2025 after a multi-year overhaul. The terminal’s capacity will increase to handle 28 million passengers annually, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading global aviation hub. SIA’s lounge upgrades are strategically timed to coincide with this expansion, ensuring premium travelers enjoy enhanced amenities as passenger traffic grows.

Construction of SIA's new T2 First Class SilverKris lounge will begin on April 15 and is slated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. Work on the airline's new T2 Business Class SilverKris Lounge is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025, with building of its new KrisFlyer Gold Lounge beginning in the first half of 2026 The upgrades are planned to be completed by mid-2027.

Industry experts note that SIA’s lounge investments reflect a wider trend among global airlines to prioritize premium ground services as competition intensifies. Rivals such as Qatar Airways and Emirates have also recently unveiled lavish lounge upgrades in key transit hubs, raising the bar for luxury travel experiences. SIA’s move ensures it remains competitive in attracting high-value passengers who prioritize comfort and exclusivity.

The airline said that its new First Class SilverKris Lounge at T2 will have larger ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a revamped bar. The club will also feature a self-service buffet line and live cooking stations providing Singaporean, Asian, and Western cuisine. SIA announced that the Business Class SilverKris Lounge at T2 will be extended by 30%. There will be a quiet rest space with recliners, a remodeled living room with multiple seating options, and a larger self-service buffet portion.

In addition to physical upgrades, SIA plans to introduce digital enhancements, including a mobile app feature allowing lounge guests to pre-order meals and reserve private seating. This follows positive feedback from similar initiatives rolled out in its Terminal 3 lounges, where tech-driven conveniences have reduced wait times and improved passenger satisfaction.

Meanwhile, the airline said that the capacity of the KrisFlyer Gold Lounge at T2, which currently seats 160 people, will be doubled. New amenities will include toilets and shower suites in the lounges, allowing travelers to freshen themselves before their flights. "This upgrade reaffirms our continued dedication to providing a seamless, world-class experience that meets the high expectations of our discerning customers," said Mr Yeoh Phee Teik, SIA's senior vice-president for customer experience.

SIA's most recent investment comes after it invested $50 million between 2019 and 2022 to renovate its VIP lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3. This was in anticipation of increased business and premium flight travel following the outbreak.

The airline’s focus on premium services is also driven by strong financial performance in its high-yield segments. In its latest earnings report, SIA noted that premium cabin revenue accounted for nearly 40% of passenger earnings, underscoring the importance of catering to this lucrative market. The lounge upgrades are seen as a long-term investment to sustain this revenue stream.

In another effort to improve the on-ground experience for premium passengers, SIA recently chose French hospitality business Accor as its new vendor in April to provide passenger relations officers for all of the airline's SilverKris lounges in Singapore. Accor has been running Qantas' VIP lounges in Singapore for years.