Turkish Airlines plans to open an additional two lounges at Istanbul’s new airport this summer and has shared some features of the new lounges with Business Traveller Asia-Pacific.
The Exclusive Lounge and Arrival Lounge will join the Turkish flag carrier’s three other lounges – Turkish Airlines Business Lounge (pictured above), Miles & Smiles Lounge and Domestic Lounge – at Istanbul Airport, which took over flight operations from Istanbul Attaturk Airport last month.
Turkish Airlines says in a press release that the five passenger lounges are “available for Business Class, Miles & Smiles Elite Plus & Elite, Star Alliance Gold and Corporate Club passengers”.
A spokesperson for Turkish Airlines told Business Traveller Asia-Pacific that The Exclusive Lounge will be located on the international departure terminal, mezzanine floor and provide a la carte dining, private suites with enclosed showers and a bar area, among other features. The Arrival Lounge will be located on the international arrival floor and will provide a buffet, showers and day beds, among other features.
The spokesperson was unable to provide a more precise opening date than summer 2019, nor was she able to provide information on the size and capacity of the two new lounges. Asked for photographs or graphic renderings of the new lounges, she was unable to provide any.
The new lounges, like the existing three lounges, will be accessible to Business Class, Miles & Smiles Elite Plus & Elite, Star Alliance Gold and Corporate Club passengers.
As for the existing three Turkish Airlines lounges at Istanbul Airport, the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, which opened on April 6, 2019, has an approximate area of close to 5,575 sqm, seats 765 guests and features 13 private suites with showers. Turkish Airlines also designed a 130-sqm museum in it, collaborating with the arts and cultural institution Istanbul Modern.
The Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge, which also opened on April 6, 2019, is also nearly 5,575 sqm, with seating for 765 guests. The lounge offers 11 private suites with showers and space where guests can rest on couches, “savour delicious and exclusive treats” from Turkey along with international cuisine, or enjoy “mobile masseur services”. A “console gaming experience”, golf simulators and “large children’s play area” provide entertainment, while a technology centre with 3D glasses and virtual reality is planned. The two lounges also provide meeting rooms, a library and prayer room.
The Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge, which opened on December 25, 2018, is accessible through a special entrance gate located outside the terminal so passengers can complete check-in procedures and transfer directly to the aircraft via buses. Lounge amenities include comfortable couches, Turkish cuisine, a large children’s play area, media wall with multiple TV screens and a prayer room.
As well as the introduction of these two new lounges, Turkish Airlines fans can also look forward to a new long-haul business class seat product that the airline plans to launch this summer.
