- Mr Plane Guy
- 8 hours ago
- 6 min read
London City Airport Will Finally Get Its First Airport
Lounge
By Mr Plane Guy | Plane Honest Travel News
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For an airport loved by business travellers, there's always been one thing missing at London City Airport and thats an airport lounge. That's finally about to change.
As London City Airport approaches its 40th anniversary in 2027, it has announced plans to open its first-ever luxury airport lounge in partnership with Aspire Pre-Flight Hospitality, one of the world's largest airport hospitality brands.
The new lounge is expected to open in early 2027 and will be available to all passengers travelling through London City Airport, regardless of airline or ticket class.
For frequent flyers, business travellers and anyone looking to make their journey a little more comfortable, it's one of the biggest upgrades to London City Airport facilities in years.
A First for London City Airport
London City Airport has built its reputation around speed, convenience and location.
For many passengers, it's the easiest airport in London to use. Security queues are usually short, the DLR station is directly connected to the terminal and you're only minutes from Canary Wharf and the City of London.
But unlike Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester, London City Airport has never had a dedicated premium airport lounge. That changes in 2027.
Construction is already underway on a brand-new luxury lounge located within the departures area.
Passengers can expect:
A premium hotel-inspired entrance lobby
Views overlooking London City Airport's unique runway
A centrepiece cocktail bar
Barista-made coffee using locally roasted beans
Artisan food and drink options
Dedicated workspaces
Private booths for calls and meetings
Comfortable lounge seating throughout
The lounge has been designed to appeal to both London City's traditional business travellers and the growing number of leisure passengers using the airport.
How Much Will It Cost?
London City Airport has not yet announced pricing.
However, the airport has confirmed the lounge will be available to all passengers through.
Online bookings
Walk-up access
(Potentially) Priority Pass, subject to confirmation.
Priority Pass at London City Airport
Aspire lounges are already part of the Priority Pass network at many airports worldwide, so I'm hopeful this new lounge will also become available to Priority Pass members once it opens. London City Airport hasn't confirmed access arrangements yet, but I'll update this guide as soon as they do.
If you're thinking about getting Priority Pass, read my honest review first to see whether it's actually worth the membership fee. I also explain how to get up to 30% off an annual membership.
👉Check the latest Priority Pass discount here before the current offer changes
Because honestly… once airport travel starts feeling this relaxing, it’s very hard to go back.
It's how I access dozens of airport lounges every year without needing a Business Class ticket.
A Premium Experience Before You Fly
According to the airport, guests will enter through a luxury five-star hotel-style reception area before stepping into a carefully designed lounge space overlooking the runway.
One feature that immediately stands out is the focus on workspace.
While many airport lounges simply offer a few desks tucked into a corner, the new lounge will include dedicated working areas and private booths designed specifically for business travellers.
That makes perfect sense at an airport where many passengers are travelling between major European business hubs.
At the same time, London City Airport's leisure route network continues to grow, with popular destinations including Florence, Ibiza, Sardinia and Toulon attracting holidaymakers looking for a more convenient alternative to larger airports.
London City Airport Continues to Grow
The announcement comes during a significant period of growth for London City Airport.
The airport is currently pursuing plans to grow towards its approved passenger cap of nine million passengers annually.
Andy Cliffe, Chief Executive Officer of London City Airport, said:
"The introduction of this exclusive experience is answering a clear demand from passengers and will elevate our unrivalled customer offer and reputation as London's most loved airport."
This feels like a very smart move.
London City Airport already offers one of the quickest and most stress-free airport experiences in the UK, but it has always lacked a premium lounge offering.
For passengers flying with airlines such as British Airways CityFlyer, KLM, Lufthansa and SWISS, having access to a dedicated independent lounge could significantly improve the overall experience.
London City Airport lounge feels like a natural next step for the Airport. It's already one of the quickest and least stressful airports in the UK, and adding a premium lounge finally brings it in line with Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Watching aircraft take off from London City's famously steep approach runway with a cocktail in hand sounds pretty appealing.
If Aspire delivers the same quality seen in some of its newer lounges I've recently visited, this could quickly become one of London's most desirable airport lounge experiences.
Having recently reviewed the Aspire Lounge Liverpool Airport, I'm optimistic about what Aspire could bring to London City Airport.
Flying from airports regularly? I use Priority Pass throughout the year and have put together my honest review explaining whether it's actually worth paying for.
London City Airport Lounge FAQ
When will the London City Airport Aspire Lounge open?
Early 2027.
Will the lounge be open to all passengers?
Yes, regardless of airline or cabin class.
Will Priority Pass be accepted?
It hasn't been confirmed yet, but Aspire lounges are already part of the Priority Pass network at many airports.
Can you book the lounge in advance?
London City Airport has confirmed online bookings and walk-up access will be available.
Final Boarding Call
London City Airport has one of the most unique operating environments in Europe. Aircraft perform steep approaches over East London before landing on the airport's single runway, creating some fantastic views for aviation enthusiasts.
If Aspire delivers on its promises in delivering a top London City Airport lounge, don't be surprised if this features in my next roundup of the Best Airport Lounges in the UK. In the meantime, check out my current rankings to see which lounges I think are genuinely worth visiting. Best Airport Lounges in the UK (2026 Edition)
And unlike many premium lounges at Heathrow, passengers won't have to navigate a giant terminal to get there. Read my complete guide to Heathrow Airport Lounges.
I'll be updating this guide as more details are announced, including the opening date, prices, Priority Pass access and my full review once the Aspire Lounge opens.
Plane Related Reading
Thinking about lounge access? Read my honest Priority Pass review and whether it’s actually worth the money
Discover the hidden Priority Pass benefits most travellers never use
Read my guide to the best UK airport lounges and which ones are genuinely worth paying for
Flying from London City Airport soon? Read my guide to the drop-off charges before you travel
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Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I now produce travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity! I hope you enjoyed London City Airport Will Finally Get Its First Airport Lounge. Do let me know in the comments if you have any questions about it.
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