Singapore Airlines is committing to a significant upgrade of its customer experience in Australia, announcing plans to relocate and rebuild its SilverKris lounge at Melbourne Airport. The new facility—set to be 30 percent larger than the current space—is scheduled to open in late 2026 or early 2027, marking a major investment in one of the airline’s busiest overseas outstations.
The new lounge will replace the long-criticized basement-level facility in Terminal 2, which has served passengers since its last major refresh in 2013. The carrier confirmed that construction on the upgraded space will begin “soon,” although the specific location within the terminal has not yet been disclosed. The move comes as Singapore Airlines executes a broader global strategy to standardize its premium ground experience across its network.
The upcoming Melbourne lounge follows a series of renovations and openings across the airline’s system. In May 2023, Singapore Airlines announced a multiyear plan to refurbish its overseas lounges to match the elevated design and amenity standards introduced at Changi Airport Terminal 3. Those efforts have since extended to the newly unveiled First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi Terminal 2, where senior executives have offered early insights into what Melbourne passengers can expect.
According to Mainly Miles, SQ’s Vice President of Lounge Development and Inflight Operations, Timothy Chua, characterized the existing Melbourne lounge as the “ugly duckling” of the network during the Changi Terminal 2 unveiling, noting that plans for a Melbourne rebuild were firmly underway. His comments underscored the airline’s recognition that the current facility has lagged behind the refreshed premium lounges now operating across the system.
The new lounge will preserve the familiar format of separate First Class and Business Class zones while introducing a contemporary design aligned with Singapore Airlines’ latest brand aesthetic. The airline aims to provide a brighter, more spacious, and more comfortable environment, moving away from the subterranean, windowless space that frequent flyers have long described as cramped and outdated. The relocation is expected to give passengers access to natural light and an improved ambience, more in line with the carrier’s modern overseas lounges.
Singapore Airlines’ decision to move the facility is also closely tied to long-term airport development plans. The current lounge sits within a designated arrivals-expansion zone in Terminal 2, which Melbourne Airport intends to redevelop in the coming years. Relocating the SilverKris lounge allows the carrier to secure a more suitable and visible position in the terminal while supporting the airport’s broader infrastructure upgrades.
The new Melbourne lounge is expected to incorporate many of the signature features that define the latest SilverKris design concept. Among the anticipated highlights are a batik wall entrance, productivity pods, work-friendly seating areas, live-cooking food stations, full-service bars, and expanded relaxation zones. These elements are already prominent in Singapore Airlines’ revamped lounges at Changi, setting expectations for a significantly elevated experience for premium travellers flying in and out of Melbourne.
For Melbourne-based frequent flyers, the upgrade represents the end of what many describe as the “lounge dungeon” era—a reference to the lack of windows and dated interiors that have defined the current space for more than a decade. By contrast, the new facility is being positioned as a showcase of the airline’s renewed commitment to comfort, design, and customer experience consistency across its network.
While passengers will need to wait more than a year for the opening, the airline intends to keep the existing lounge operational during the construction period. For now, Singapore Airlines customers will continue to use the old basement facility until the revamped lounge is completed. However, given the scale of the upgrade and the improvements previewed in Singapore and other ports, many travellers are likely to view the wait as worthwhile.
The new SilverKris lounge is poised to become a notable enhancement to Melbourne Airport’s premium offering, supporting both the airline’s competitive position and its reputation for high-quality service. As Singapore Airlines continues its network-wide lounge modernization program, the Melbourne project serves as a key component in elevating the travel experience for Australian-based passengers.
