I’ll let you in on a little secret: nothing beats the bliss of settling into a cushy airport lounge chair, savoring a flawless cappuccino, and gazing at planes gliding across the tarmac as I gear up for my next adventure. It’s my sanctuary amidst the airport hustle, and oneworld’s lounges, with their chic ambiance and top-notch perks, never fail to impress.
I’m buzzing with excitement over oneworld’s bold plan to launch 8–10 new branded lounges over the next five years, hot on the heels of their stunning openings in Seoul Incheon and Amsterdam Schiphol in 2024. With Oman Air now officially part of the alliance as of July 2025, adding 42 incredible destinations, and Hawaiian Airlines set to join in 2026, oneworld’s network is expanding like never before.
So, here’s the question keeping me up at night (and probably you too): where will the next oneworld lounge land? CEO Nat Pieper’s hinting at a summer 2026 debut, and I’ve got some strong opinions on where it should be—zeroing in on airports without existing oneworld member lounges, because, honestly, hubs like Heathrow and Bangkok are already lounge royalty. Here’s my take on the top contenders and why they’d make our layovers absolutely unforgettable.
Top Contenders for the NEXT oneworld Lounge
To make this list, I’ve zeroed in on major airports with strong oneworld airline presence but no lounges operated by oneworld members (e.g., no British Airways Galleries or Qantas First/Business Lounges). These hubs have high passenger demand, strategic importance, and a clear need for a oneworld-branded space. Here’s why these airports are prime candidates for 2026, packed with reasons to get you excited:
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India
Delhi, India’s busiest airport, handles over 22 million international passengers annually and is a hub for oneworld airlines like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Crucially, there are no oneworld member lounges here—passengers rely on third-party options like Plaza Premium, which lack the alliance’s signature polish. With India’s aviation market set to be the world’s third-largest by 2030, a oneworld lounge in Delhi could be a game-changer, offering local flair (think masala chai stations, tandoori bites, and vibrant Indian decor) alongside global amenities. It’s a strategic move to capture South Asia’s booming travel demand, especially since rivals like Star Alliance also lack a branded lounge here. The challenge? Indian airports often prefer to manage their own lounges, but oneworld’s premium branding could break through.
Why it’s a win: No member lounges, massive passenger growth, and a chance to dominate a key South Asian hub.
- Perth T1 International Airport, Australia
Perth’s T1 International Airport is a rising star for oneworld, with Qantas, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines connecting to Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Since Qantas closed its International Business Lounge, there are no oneworld member lounges at T1, leaving passengers to use third-party options like Aspire Lounge. With over 4 million international passengers annually and growing transpacific demand, Perth is Australia’s western gateway, perfect for a oneworld lounge. Imagine sipping a flat white, nibbling on Aussie-inspired treats, and relaxing in ocean-themed decor before a long-haul flight. This lounge would fill a glaring gap and cater to loyalty members craving alliance perks.
Why it’s a win: No member lounges, strong oneworld traffic, and a strategic position for Asia-Pacific routes.
- São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil
São Paulo’s GRU airport, South America’s busiest with over 30 million passengers yearly, is a oneworld hotspot with American Airlines, Iberia, and British Airways flights. Importantly, there are no oneworld member lounges here—passengers use third-party options like VIP Lounge or American’s Admirals Club, which isn’t always accessible to all oneworld travelers. oneworld eyed GRU for a lounge in 2019, and its role as a gateway to Latin America, North America, and Europe makes it a prime pick. A oneworld lounge could blend Brazilian vibrancy (think caipirinhas, pão de queijo, and tropical decor) with global appeal, attracting business travelers and loyalty members. With Star Alliance’s lounge presence in GRU, oneworld needs this to stay competitive.
Why it’s a win: No member lounges, high South American traffic, and a chance to lead in a region where oneworld lags.
- Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), South Africa
Africa is a blind spot for oneworld’s lounge network, and Johannesburg, with over 20 million passengers annually, is the continent’s busiest hub. oneworld airlines like British Airways, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas operate here, but there are no oneworld member lounges, forcing passengers to use third-party options like Bidvest Premier Lounge. A oneworld lounge could showcase African hospitality—think rooibos tea, South African wines, and safari-inspired decor—while serving travelers connecting to Europe, Asia, or Australia. With Star Alliance’s branded lounge in JNB, oneworld risks losing ground without a presence here. JNB’s strategic role in southern hemisphere routes makes it a fresh, compelling choice.
Why it’s a win: No member lounges, growing African market, and a chance to compete in a rival-dominated hub.
Why Avoid Airports with Member Lounges?
Airports like London Heathrow Terminal 3 (British Airways, Qantas, and soon a Qantas First Lounge), Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific, Qantas) are packed with oneworld member lounges, making a branded lounge less urgent. These hubs already offer premium options for Sapphire and Emerald members, and space constraints (especially at Heathrow) make new lounges tricky. oneworld’s strategy is clear: prioritize airports with high alliance traffic but no member-run lounges, ensuring a new space adds real value for travelers like you.
How These Lounges Will Elevate Your Journey
A oneworld lounge isn’t just a perk—it’s a game-changer. With access to nearly 700 lounges worldwide, Sapphire and Emerald members enjoy priority boarding, extra baggage, and that coveted lounge access, often extending to economy travelers with status. New lounges in Delhi, Perth, São Paulo, or Johannesburg would cater to booming markets and strategic routes, turning layovers into highlights. Picture relaxing in a Delhi lounge with a spicy samosa or chilling in Perth with a view of the tarmac—these spaces will make your travels smoother and more luxurious. Plus, with Oman Air’s 42 destinations and Hawaiian Airlines’ 2026 entry, oneworld is connecting you to more corners of the globe.
What’s Next for oneworld?
oneworld’s lounge push is part of a bold push to rival Star Alliance and SkyTeam, with tech upgrades (like seamless digital check-ins) and better connectivity on the way. Pieper noted that finding airport space is tough—prime spots are scarce—but oneworld’s commitment to 3–10 new lounges shows they’re all in. My top picks? Delhi and Perth lead for their urgent need and strategic edge, with Johannesburg as a wildcard to conquer Africa.
