Cover Award-winning airport lounges, including Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International, are redefining the modern pre-flight experience (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
Award-winning airport lounges, including Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International, are redefining the modern pre-flight experience (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
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From Fukuoka’s ramen-bar runway views to a retro Tokyo time capsule, meet the airport lounges redefining pre-flight luxury across Asia Pacific
From Tokyo to Hong Kong, the best airport lounges today are reimagining what it means to arrive well. The Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026—now in its 18th year and informed by over 700,000 member ratings and reviews—have revealed the lounges setting the standard globally and across Asia Pacific. Judged on facilities, service, food and beverage, comfort and overall ambience, this year’s standout winners all share one quality: a genuine, deeply considered sense of place that transforms the airport lounge experience into something truly memorable.
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APAC Lounge of the Year: Lounge Fukuoka, Fukuoka International Airport, Japan
Above Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International offers runway views and authentic local fare (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International offers runway views and authentic local fare (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
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The APAC top winner earned its crown with an experience that makes the airport lounge a destination in its own right. Positioned on the fourth level of the International Terminal, Lounge Fukuoka’s bright, open layout and floor-to-ceiling windows deliver dramatic close-up views of the runway and parked aircraft—a rare treat for aviation enthusiasts. A serene, wood-toned aesthetic sets the tone for genuine relaxation, while the food programme is anchored by a hotel-style buffet celebrating Fukuoka’s distinct culinary identity: tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko and kashiwa rice alongside draft beer, seasonal local sake and Costa Coffee.
APAC Highly Commended: Kyra Lounge, Hong Kong International Airport
Above Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport ranks among the most deliberately designed airport lounges in Asia Pacific (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport ranks among the most deliberately designed airport lounges in Asia Pacific (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
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Conceived by Studio 5 International, Kyra Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport ranks among the most deliberately designed airport lounges in Asia-Pacific. Three elemental forces define the space: a ray installation above the bar, wave-inspired reception and bar architecture and a fireplace-anchored relaxation zone. Spanning 744 square metres—with a statement bar crafted from reclaimed typhoon-damaged wood—sustainability is as central as style. The culinary programme draws from Hong Kong’s heritage, with baked pork chop rice, dim sum and a refreshed menu spanning international and pan-Asian traditions.
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APAC One to Watch: KoCoo Lounge, Narita International Airport, Japan
Above KoCoo Lounge at Narita International channels Japan’s nostalgic Showa-era aesthetic (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
KoCoo Lounge at Narita International channels Japan’s nostalgic Showa-era aesthetic (Photo: courtesy of Priority Pass)
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New to the awards in 2026, the One to Watch category recognises airport lounges that have significantly elevated their offering over the past year. KoCoo Lounge at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (Terminal 2) was named the winner of the APAC category following a striking interior refresh centred on two immersive themes: “Japanese Modern” and “Showa Retro”—a nostalgic nod to 1970s and 1980s Japan, when the country experienced remarkable economic and cultural growth. Retro arcade games, interiors evoking the charm of traditional Japanese coffee shops and cafés and a food and beverage programme rooted in Japanese cultural tradition complete a truly immersive experience.
Global Lounge of the Year: Escape Lounge, Portland International Airport, United States
Set within one of North America’s most design-led airport environments, the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport claimed Priority Pass’s global top prize for its deeply rooted experience. Drawing on Portland’s creative and cultural character, the space weaves locally inspired food and drink, regional materials and art into a layout designed equally for relaxation and focused work. The result is a lounge that feels less like an airport pit stop and more like a genuine extension of the city itself—a considered space that resonates long after the flight has landed.
More regional Lounge of the Year winners
Priority Pass Excellence Awards 2026 recognised outstanding airport lounges across three further regions. In Europe, Vienna Lounge in Austria claimed top honours, while Club Kingston in Jamaica took the title for Latin America and the Caribbean. Rounding out the global roll of honour, Bidvest Premier Lounge in Johannesburg, South Africa, was named winner for the Middle East and Africa region—further evidence of a worldwide movement toward more considered, destination-led airport lounge experiences.
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After more than a decade in lifestyle media, Clifford has mastered the art of writing seriously about things that are fun—and writing fun things about people who take themselves very seriously. At Tatler Asia, he helped steer its flagship lists, Tatler’s Most Influential and Asia’s Most Stylish. And today, he leads T-Labs, Tatler Asia’s content innovation hub, where he continues the noble pursuit of lifestyle storytelling, spinning stories on wealth, entertainment, necessary style, Hallyu, Hollywood, beauty and more for audiences across Asia.
