SkyTeam opens a new shared lounge at Dubai International airport (DXB)

Six weeks ago, we wrote about the opening of the new satellite Concourse D at Dubai International airport (DXB).  The Terminal 1 extension is now the home of all major international airlines, with the notable exception of Qantas, who benefits from access to the flagship Concourse A thanks to their partnership with Emirates.

The new concourse is a relief for foreign carriers who used to share tight quarters within the vintage Concourse C. With significantly more real estate at their disposal, the major players are quickly building lounges that will significantly improve passenger comfort. In March, Lufthansa led the pack with the opening of a Business Lounge and a Senator lounge, quickly followed by British Airways who unveiled a new lounge with a Concorde Bar.

SkyTeam passengers used to benefit from an Air France Lounge and a closet-sized KLM Crown Lounge in Concourse C, though most SkyTeam members directed their customers to the relatively barebones Marhaba Lounge. With the move to Concourse D, the alliance has chosen the path of consolidation.

SkyTeam opens a new shared lounge at DXB Terminal 1, Concourse D

The SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Dubai International airport Terminal 1, Concourse D is the latest addition to a burgeoning network of SkyTeam shared lounges, with locations at London Heathrow, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Istanbul.

All lounges share virtually the same design conceived by Brandimage, as well as similar amenities. The décor features dominant white and light tones, with sleek curved wooden dividers and a signature living wall. It’s modern, fresh, ultra functional, though perhaps a bit bland. The Dubai location also include a “digital art gallery” showcasing with works by various artists.

The club caters to all traveler types. In addition to traditional lounge seating with power outlets at every seat, patrons will find table-top seating, a dining area, more secluded individual seats, and a family room.

The buffet offers a substantial selection of appetizers, hot and cold entrees, and desserts. The international menu aims at showcasing the cuisine of the SkyTeam member airlines. A broad selection of alcoholic beverages is also available.

A must at Dubai in the summer, the lounge offers several shower suites.

The SkyTeam Exclusive lounge welcomes SkyTeam International First and Business Class passengers, as well as SkyTeam Elite Plus members.

Bottom line

The opening of the new SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Dubai International airport Terminal 1, Concourse D marks a significant enhancement for the passengers of Aeroflot, Air France, China Easter, China Southern, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia and Tarom. While the Emirates experience remains unparalleled – the carrier offers the largest and perhaps most extravagant lounges in the world – the SkyTeam lounge offers a solid range of amenities, and we appreciate the inclusion of showers and a family room.

The new opening cements the alliance’s commitment to the shared lounge approach. Until the opening of the London Heathrow lounge in 2009, all member carriers used to operate separate facilities. The alliance has since opened four additional lounges, with remarkable consistency in design, and a new Beijing location is due to open later this year.

Featured photo: SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge – Dubai International airport (DXB) Terminal 1, Concourse D | © SkyTeam