MELBOURNE – Qantas Airways (QF) will temporarily close its flagship First Lounge at Melbourne Airport from 4 October until 3 November 2025. The airline has confirmed that the month-long shutdown is due to scheduled maintenance, and the facility will reopen without major upgrades.
During this period, passengers eligible for First Lounge access will be redirected to a “premium dedicated space” within the Qantas International Business Lounge at Melbourne Airport.
Photo: Melbourne AirportLounge Services During Closure
During the temporary closing of the First Lounge at Melbourne Airport, the passengers eligible for First Lounge access that will instead be served a premium space include the following:
- First Class ticket holders
- Qantas Platinum
- Platinum One frequent flyers
- Oneworld Emerald members—
While a la carte dining will remain available, the spa facilities and natural light from the upper-level location of the First Lounge will be unavailable.
Qantas has reassured customers that premium service standards will continue inside the temporary First Lounge space. The airline stated that travelers would still enjoy fine dining and attentive service, although the ambiance will differ from the original lounge.
The spa, one of the highlights of the Melbourne First Lounge, will remain shut throughout the maintenance period. The lack of natural light is also a notable difference, given that the Business Lounge is often described by travelers as having limited windows.
Eligible Qantas passengers may also consider visiting the Emirates Lounge at Melbourne as an alternative. This facility offers superior comfort and dining, although its hours are restricted to Emirates’ morning and evening departures to Dubai.
Photo: Melbourne AirportQantas Upcoming Lounge Refurbishments
The temporary Melbourne closure is part of a broader program of lounge refurbishments and maintenance across the Qantas network. The Gold Coast lounge will close from 10–16 November 2025 for a redesign that promises a refreshed look and modern furnishings.
Earlier this year, Qantas unveiled a new regional lounge in Broome, and it has since begun upgrading Qantas Club lounges in several regional airports, including Coffs Harbour, Tamworth, Mackay, Emerald, and Gladstone.
Work on lounges in Rockhampton, Kalgoorlie, and Karratha is scheduled from 2–10 December 2025.
Meanwhile, Qantas continues to develop its new international lounge at Auckland Airport, expected to open next year. The new Sydney international Business Lounge has been delayed once more, with the opening now pushed back to 2027.
Travelers with Qantas Gold, Platinum, or Platinum One status may access the Emirates Lounge when it is open, making it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter space compared to the Qantas lounges.
Photo: Melbourne AirportBottom Line
Qantas’ decision to temporarily shut its Melbourne First Lounge reflects routine maintenance rather than a redesign.
While regular amenities like spa treatments and natural light will be unavailable, premium dining and service will remain in place within a designated Business Lounge section.
For some travelers, the Emirates Lounge may provide a better alternative when open.
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The post Qantas to Close Melbourne First Class Lounge for A Month, Why? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
