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Turkish Airlines Opens Edinburgh Lounge
Turkish Airlines has chosen to open its first European lounge abroad in Edinburgh, an airport with a growing list of routes and airlines.
Described as a scaled-down version of its flagship Istanbul lounge (with the same luxurious experience), the new Turkish Airlines lounge is located on Level 2 near Gate 16. The 673 sq m space can accommodate up to 149 guests and includes a relaxation area, flight information screens and two dedicated prayer rooms.
Turkish Airlines often has a great food offering. Hopefully, this lounge will remain the same, despite being managed by Plaza Premium. The menu lists Halal-certified hot and cold delicacies, artisanal sweets, and drinks, including traditional Turkish coffee and tea. The Loch Lomond Bar has a range of drinks on offer, including Loch Lomond and Glen Scotia bottlings.
Entrance is reserved for:
- Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers
- Miles&Smiles members (Elite, Elite Plus and Elite Corporate Club) travelling in any class
- Those with a paid lounge membership card (e.g. Priority Pass/DragonPass – space dependent)
- Star Alliance Gold status holders travelling on a Star Alliance flight
- Business Class passengers of other airlines where this is the chosen lounge – or an option (e.g. Qatar/Virgin Atlantic, Finnair, etc).
Importantly, you can earn Star Alliance Gold status with all 25 of the Star Alliance airlines, including Lufthansa, Air Canada, United and TAP Air Portugal (even with the latest status match), which will give you access to the lounge.
There are currently 10 flights per week (Airbus A321neo) from Edinburgh to Istanbul, and as Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, you can connect to 356 destinations in 136 countries. Extremely convenient, unless, of course, you’re flying west. Opening hours are 04:00-22:00 daily.
Plaza Premium Opens a Luxurious ‘First’ Lounge at Rome Fiumicino
Plaza Premium First concept has made its European debut at Rome Fiumicino. ‘First’ lounges are designed to offer a more personalised premium experience.
The 700 sq m space is located in Terminal 1 International Departures and has capacity for 115 guests. Design is focused around a Roman style, with plenty of natural light and handcrafted textures, alongside stone, oak, and bronze finishes, and ongoing art exhibitions.
Dining is all about the Primo Dining Room, which will have an exclusive à la carte menu with Italian dishes and Roman specialities. The Aero Bar serves curated cocktails such as Nebula Plaza and Dolce Peccato alongside wines and, being in Italy, excellent espresso. A dedicated dessert bar is also available.
Extra touches include an al fresco patio with live DJ sets and performances, private meeting rooms with customisable setups, suites for rest, and a dedicated nursery area. Bathroom facilities are on par with the rest of the lounge with showers, premium toiletries, bathrobes and supersonic hairdryers. There will also be additional services, such as express ironing and shoe polishing.
Entry will be available via Smart Traveller membership, online pre-booking, or walk-in purchase. It’s not yet clear what the rules around lounge passes will be, what the premium will be or whether passes will not be accepted.
If you like the idea of these ‘First’ lounges, you’ll already find one in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Macau, Vancouver, and Phnom Penh.
British Airways’ In Talks’ Over Flights to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport
Recent comments by Red Sea Global suggest British Airways has held discussions about launching direct flights to Red Sea International (RSI). It appears BA is holding off until there is more hotel capacity.
After the airport opened in 2023, Red Sea Global has been pushing to build the network at RSI, and it’s paid off. beOnd has launched twice-weekly flights from Milan, and Qatar has just started a new route.
RSI airport is the gateway to The Red Sea and AMAALA, both of which are home to a growing number of luxury resorts, wellness retreats, and unique travel experiences.
If this route were to launch, it would join BA’s existing routes to Saudi Arabia, including Riyadh and Jeddah. There are currently 2+ weekly flights from Dubai with flydubai, and domestic services from Riyadh and Jeddah with Saudia.
