Qantas is moving ahead with a sweeping upgrade of its regional airport lounges, reinforcing its strategy to elevate customer experience across Australia’s domestic network while continuing broader investments in fleet modernization and operational efficiency.
The airline confirmed that refurbishment work will begin in the coming weeks across seven regional lounges as part of its multi-million-dollar Regional Lounge Refresh Program. The initiative is aimed at bringing regional facilities closer in look, feel, and functionality to those found in Qantas’ major domestic hubs, while still reflecting the character of the communities they serve.
The program will impact travelers passing through Qantas Airways regional lounges at Rockhampton Airport, Gladstone Airport, Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport, Tamworth Airport, Coffs Harbour Airport, Mackay Airport, and Karratha Airport.
Modernizing the Regional Lounge Experience
Each of the seven lounges will undergo a comprehensive interior refresh designed to improve comfort, usability, and visual appeal. According to Qantas, the redesigned spaces will incorporate new color palettes inspired by local landscapes, offering a stronger sense of place while maintaining a consistent brand experience.
Contemporary furniture will replace existing fittings, with improved seating layouts intended to better accommodate both leisure and corporate travelers. Updated flooring and refined interior finishes are also part of the redesign, aimed at creating a cleaner, more modern environment.
Technology upgrades will play a central role in the refresh. Customers can expect additional charging points to support multiple devices, along with upgraded display screens providing clearer and more accessible flight and travel information. Qantas says these changes are designed to make regional lounges more functional for passengers who need to work, recharge devices, or simply relax before departure.
Managing Temporary Disruption
To limit network-wide impact, the lounge refurbishments will be carried out in a staggered schedule. Rockhampton Airport’s lounge will close from 5 to 18 February, followed by Gladstone Airport from 8 to 26 February. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport will see closures from 8 to 14 February, while Tamworth Airport will follow between 12 and 21 February.
Coffs Harbour Airport’s lounge will be unavailable from 14 to 24 February, and Mackay Airport will close from 15 February until 9 March. The final lounge in this phase, at Karratha Airport, will undergo refurbishment from 8 to 19 March.
Qantas has advised customers to plan ahead during these periods, noting that while lounge access will be unavailable, other airport amenities will remain open. The airline has acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized that the upgrades are intended to deliver long-term benefits.
Part of a Broader Regional Strategy
The lounge upgrades are one element of a broader regional investment strategy by the Qantas Group, which extends beyond airport facilities. The airline is progressing with a significant regional fleet renewal program aimed at improving reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.
This includes the introduction of 11 Airbus A220 aircraft, with an additional 18 scheduled for delivery, as well as a transition to a single fleet of Dash 8 Q400 turboprops. Qantas expects the simplified fleet to deliver operational benefits while reducing emissions per seat.
QantasLink Chief Executive Mark Dal Pra said the airline remains focused on strengthening the end-to-end travel experience across regional Australia. He acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by the lounge closures but expressed confidence that the upgraded facilities would deliver lasting value for customers.
Bottom Line
By upgrading seven regional lounges while simultaneously investing in new aircraft and operational improvements, Qantas is reinforcing its commitment to regional Australia. While short-term disruptions are unavoidable, the airline is positioning the program as a long-term investment in consistency, comfort, and competitiveness across its domestic network.
For regional travelers, the refresh signals a step toward a more modern and reliable travel experience that better aligns with Qantas’ standards in major city airports.
