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Saudia opens a new (SkyTeam) airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4

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Well, this is unexpected. Saudia, the Jeddah-based airline, has opened a new lounge in Heathrow Terminal 4.

The airline has worked with Plaza Premium on the design, fit out and operation of the lounge.

Plaza Premium previously took over the former SkyTeam lounge at Heathrow T4, opening up a new, larger Plaza Premium on the ground floor. At the time, we were told that the second level had been “reserved for other development at a later stage.” It appears that plan has now come to fruition.

Saudia opens new (SkyTeam) airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4

At 850 square metres (and with capacity for 174 guests) I believe it takes up the entirety of the upper floor, ruling out any further development of that space.

The new Saudia lounge will cater to First and business class passengers, as well as Alfursan Gold frequent flyer members and other SkyTeam elites.

As a SkyTeam lounge, it will also be available to anyone flying from Terminal 4 on another SkyTeam carrier with status or in business class. This includes KLM, Air France and China Eastern.

Here is how the airline describes it:

“The lounge features a range of luxurious offerings showcasing the warmth of Saudi hospitality, including traditional Saudi coffee and dates from the Kingdom. A premium dining experience is available through an international buffet, with a private VIP area offering à la carte dining and personalized butler service.”

Saudia opens new (SkyTeam) airline lounge at Heathrow Terminal 4

Whilst it should be obvious, it’s unlikely you’ll get any alcohol here given that Saudia is a dry airline. Instead, they have a tea room:

“Additional features include a bespoke London Tea Exchange experience, luxury showers with Urban Apothecary amenities, prayer rooms, and a quiet zone. Guests can also enjoy fully equipped workspaces, along with high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations—ensuring comfort and connectivity throughout their stay.”

Although national sibling Riyadh Air is drawing a lot of attention as it ramps up for its first flights later this year, Saudia has also been investing in its customer experience with a new (retro) livery and new amenity kits. Ambitious new aircraft orders will come with brand new seats.

Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Guest Experience Officer at Saudia, said:

“The launch of our new lounge at London Heathrow Terminal 4 is a testament to Saudia’s dedication to providing an exceptional travel experience that embodies the essence of Saudi hospitality. We are proud to offer our guests a premium space that combines comfort, luxury, and cultural richness, setting a new benchmark for international travel.”

Saudia’s Heathrow lounge will be open from 7:00am to 10:15pm, covering Saudia’s first and last flights each day.

Comments (59)

  • Novice says:

    I think this would be great as I am a connoisseur of tea. But it is in London so I will likely never get to try it. I think it’s a great idea for ppl who don’t care about drinking and don’t want to be around people getting smashed because it’s free. The biggest issue in lounges isn’t that they have booze; the problem is that they allow anyone to pay and the lounge. A lot of times economy passengers are getting drunk in lounges especially when in groups. Ppl don’t seem to understand moderation. At least there are health benefits of teas. Can’t say the same about over drinking alcohol.

    • Novice says:

      * pay and get in the lounge

    • Dominic says:

      “Economy passengers” lol, how dare the commoners have a drink! They can’t control themselves, unlike those passengers with lots of money!

      But frankly, whilst I accept priority pass-esque lounges have this issue, it’s *probably* less common in airline lounges; partially owing to fewer people and also more likely to be filled with frequent travellers for whom an airport trip isn’t an annual treat.

      • Michael Jennings says:

        I don’t get smashed in lounges, but there is a right level of tipsy to be at when boarding a flight. One of the things I do in lounges is get to this level.

        When one is in Business class and will be plied with drinks on the plane, one should avoid doing this in the lounge, however.

  • redlilly says:

    Don’t agree that the soul purpose of lounge attendance by most is to “get smashed”.

    Whilst I don’t agree with removing alcohol completely, as it feels a bit too much like a social experiment in a liberal country, this lounge could work if they serve excellent coffee, teas and juices (the latter fresh without sugar). There are similar concepts in lounges the world over.

    • InformerJuicer says:

      Off topic but “juice without sugar” is an oxymoron. Juice is generally very unhealthy and there is little difference between juice and full fat pie or Pepsi. In fact oftentimes juices contain even more sugar than those and due to the heavy processing, they lack any fibre and most nutrients thus rendering them really bad for you.

      • redlilly says:

        I meant juice without added sugars and syrups etc.

      • PL says:

        I presume he’s talking about a fresh juice/cold pressed concept, which would be a good addition. They are certainly saving by not supplying alcohol.

    • Novice says:

      Did you mean ‘sole’? I didn’t know the soul was involved in travels and travel decisions 😂

    • The Savage Squirrel says:

      “Whilst I don’t agree with removing alcohol completely, as it feels a bit too much like a social experiment in a liberal country”

      Do you feel the same about basically every cafe and coffee shop on every High Street? They don’t have alcohol either. Greggs too maybe? The local library? Having a food/drink/social space without alcohol is hardly new or a repressive social experiment!

  • PL says:

    Tried to get in this morning as an AF plat travelling in Y on SV but turned away. So looks like it’s J/F only on SV or their higher tier members only.

    • Rhys says:

      Currently clarifying this with their PR agency. It wasn’t very clear.

    • Throwawayname says:

      That’s madness if true considering it’s quite a large lounge. Hopefully it’s just a case of logistics and training.

      • sigma421 says:

        Saudia’s 777-300ERs have 12 F and 36 J seats so it’s going to be pretty relaxed if that is the case!

      • PL says:

        To be fair it would be understandable. I doubt SV want their lounge full of FFers from other programs. They do the same on domestic sectors within Saudi even if you are travelling on SV, at least at T5 RUH.

        • Rhys says:

          …but that’s one of the biggest perks of alliances. Virgin’s Clubhouses are some of the few lounges not open to other FF programs.

          • PL says:

            Sure but Skyteam is quirky compared to the other alliances from experience. Delta can be a bit funny too about access

          • Rhys says:

            It is…but this is an outstation lounge!

    • Aston100 says:

      Isn’t that the same with the Qatar lounge in T4?

  • Panda Mick says:

    “As a SkyTeam lounge, it will also be available to anyone flying from Terminal 4”

    Excellent news!

  • HughM says:

    Prayer rooms, who uses ’em? I do (it might be a Boeing).
    Cultural difference: I’ll be keeping my outdoor shoes on. Off the carpet, and not qibla-facing. They don’t want you to act Muslim if you’re not. The Saudia lounge offers prayer rooms plural, and I’d be interested if one is shoes-on. Unlikely to explore for myself, any time soon.

  • Stuart says:

    Gone are TAROM and ITA Airways from Heathrow, the latter also now out of SkyTeam. That only leaves Saudia, Air France, KLM, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, China Eastern and Vietnam Airlines in Terminal 4 to use this lounge. The other member airlines (VS, DL, AM, CI and ME) who fly to Heathrow using Terminal 3 and SK in Terminal 2 (any word if they move to T4?). So the lounge should not get too busy. This is good news.

  • Sandgrounder says:

    I quit drinking a long time ago, and appreciate an alcohol free environment. I went to Saudi between Christmas and new year and enjoyed my stay in Jeddah. I know it is rumoured change may be coming, but I hope Saudi, and Saudia, stay alcohol free.

  • Aston100 says:

    Cos their takin over are lounges

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