Inside Sydney Airport’s new-look SkyTeam lounge

Nature is returning to Sydney Airport, with yet another frequent flyer haven – this time the SkyTeam Lounge near Gate 24 – unlocking its doors for international travellers keen to kick off their trip in style. However, it looks a little different than you might remember…

Fully refurbished while global travel was suspended, the lounge has been redesigned from the ground up to offer an all-new space in the same place.

Following a ‘soft reopening’ on August 25, it’s now ready for all SkyTeam Elite Plus, first and business class passengers.

Blue, mustard and emerald tones add some life to the once-dated space.

Flooded with natural light, Sydney Airport’s new SkyTeam lounge now features a softer palette of blues, greens and neutral timber tones, with a revamped dining area, dedicated ‘quiet zone’ and private work booths (essentially glass phone booths with a chair) among the notable enhancements.

An impressive circular lounge hugged by Japanese-style screens is also destined to be a popular hangout.

Fresh noodles and dumplings are available from the live-cooking station.

It’s a marked improvement on the previous space, swapping the outdated decor in favour of a more contemporary, spa-like design.

Christian Oberlé, SkyTeam’s Chief Experience Officer, says the alliance is excited to welcome travellers back to the refurbished lounge which also now features a number of sustainably-minded enhancements.

Water dispensers and glassware keep customers hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

“How better to welcome international travelers back to our Sydney Lounge than with a brand-new, high-quality experience that not only cares for them today but helps look after tomorrow’s travellers,” says Oberlé.

“It’s exciting to unveil a fresh look for SkyTeam Lounges that embodies our alliance’s commitment to greater sustainability on the ground and in the air.”

Hungry guests can enjoy freshly-prepared noodles and dumplings from the live-cooking station, plus a mix of hot and cold dishes from the self-service buffet.

A VIP room is available for guests in need for additional privacy.

A bartender is on hand to serve up a selection of Australian red, white and sparkling wines, spirits and barista coffee, while water dispensers and glassware located around the lounge keep customers hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

Sydney’s SkyTeam Lounge rolls out the red carpet for business class and first class passengers on alliance members – a roster which includes Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, Taiwan’s China Airlines and Vietnam Airlines – along with travellers holding SkyTeam Elite Plus status who are flying premium economy or economy class.

Private booth lounges are on hand for when you want to get into 'the zone'.

That status is easily available through SkyTeam member Delta’s 2022 Medallion Status Match Challenge, which targets top-tier frequent flyers of Qantas, Virgin Australia and a dozen other competitors.

SkyTeam’s Sydney Lounge is located airside near Gate 24 at Pier B in the International Terminal. It’s open for eligible customers from two hours prior to the first flight until the final departure of the day.

It’s not the only lounge enhancement to be unveiled at Sydney Airport recently. In addition to its own departures lounge at Sydney T1, Plaza Premium recently opened a new arrivals lounge attached to the airport’s new Aerotel short-stay transit hotel.