CANBERRA- Australia is set to see a noticeable uplift in regional airport hospitality as Qantas continues a large-scale lounge upgrade program across seven domestic locations. Qantas Airways (QF) has confirmed that refurbishment works will begin over the coming weeks as part of its multi-million-dollar Regional Lounge Refresh Program.
The upgrade activity will affect customers travelling through key regional centres, including Rockhampton Airport (ROK), Gladstone Airport (GLT), and Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport (KGI). Qantas says the works are designed to modernise its regional lounge network while aligning the customer experience more closely with standards seen across its major domestic hubs.
Regional Lounge Upgrades
Each of the seven lounges will undergo a full interior refresh that reflects the character of its surrounding region.
The updated spaces will feature new colour palettes inspired by local landscapes, along with contemporary furniture designed to improve comfort and usability.
Qantas has confirmed that the upgrades include improved seating layouts, refined interior finishes, and new flooring across all locations.
Customers will also see practical technology enhancements, including additional charging points and upgraded display screens for flight and travel information.
The airline says these improvements are intended to support both leisure and corporate travellers, offering better environments for relaxation and productivity.
While the lounges will temporarily close during construction, Qantas believes the long-term benefits will outweigh short-term disruption.
Temporary Lounge Closures
The refurbishment program will require staggered lounge closures to minimise network-wide disruption. Rockhampton Airport (ROK) will see its lounge closed from 5 to 18 February, followed by Gladstone Airport (GLT) from 8 to 26 February.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Airport (KGI) will close from 8 to 14 February, while Tamworth Airport (TMW) will follow between 12 and 21 February.
Coffs Harbour Airport (CFS) will be affected from 14 to 24 February, with Mackay Airport (MKY) closing from 15 February until 9 March. The final upgrade in this phase will take place at Karratha Airport (KTA) from 8 to 19 March.
Qantas has advised customers to plan ahead during the closure periods, noting that alternative airport amenities will remain available throughout the renovation timeline.
Broader Regional Investment
The lounge refresh program forms part of a wider regional investment strategy by the Qantas Group, extending well beyond airport infrastructure. The airline is also progressing with a significant regional fleet renewal initiative to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
This includes the introduction of 11 Airbus A220 aircraft, with a further 18 aircraft scheduled for delivery. Qantas is also transitioning to a single fleet of Dash 8 Q400 turboprops, a move expected to improve reliability and reduce emissions per seat.
QantasLink Chief Executive Mark Dal Pra said the airline remains focused on strengthening the end-to-end travel experience across regional Australia.
He acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by lounge closures but expressed confidence that the upgraded facilities would deliver lasting value for customers.
Bottom Line
Qantas is strengthening its regional footprint by upgrading seven lounges while continuing major investments in fleet renewal and operational reliability.
Although the temporary closures may cause short-term inconvenience, the program reflects a broader strategy to deliver a more consistent, modern, and competitive travel experience across regional Australia.
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