A new shared premium lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 has begun operations, welcoming passengers from seven international carriers less than a month after its launch, with more airlines set to join in the coming months.
Located on Level 4, the 2,600-square-meter First Meridian Lounge is run by a private operator and caters to eligible business class and premium travelers of Thai Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Cathay Pacific, KLM, and Qatar Airways. It operates under existing commercial agreements between the airport and its service providers, and forms part of broader upgrades led by private manager New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC).
The project is part of efforts to improve passenger experience while making better use of limited space. Under this initiative, former offices, unused lounge areas, and other sections of the terminal are being converted into amenities such as new dining, retail, and service outlets open to more travelers.
Instead of separate lounges that only operate around specific flight schedules, this shared model combines premium services into one large facility. This setup lets eligible passengers enjoy consistent lounge access, while freeing up other areas for facilities that benefit a wider range of airport visitors.
“This shared lounge supports our effort to improve the passenger experience at NAIA while using terminal space more efficiently,” NNIC stated. “It gives eligible passengers of participating airlines a more comfortable and reliable pre-flight experience, while allowing us to create more space for food, beverage, retail and other amenities that benefit more travelers.”
The lounge offers features rarely found in smaller airline-specific facilities, including spacious seating, high-speed internet, work areas, showers, and real-time flight updates. Additional amenities include infant care rooms, sleep pods, private suites, play areas for children, game and golf simulators, and quiet zones. Its food and beverage options cover local and international dishes, plus a bakery, teppanyaki station, halal section, full bar, and wine cellar.
NNIC noted the facility brings NAIA in line with major global airports, where shared or third-party lounges serve passengers across different airlines and membership programs. This approach helps expand premium services while managing space constraints effectively.
The lounge is one of several upgrades under NAIA’s modernization program. NNIC added it will keep working with airlines and partners to further boost comfort, convenience, and efficiency across the airport.
