SINGAPORE- Singapore Airlines (SQ) will open its all-new SilverKris Lounge at Melbourne Airport (MEL) in September 2026, several months earlier than originally expected.
The new facility will replace the airline’s current basement lounge and introduce more space, natural light, upgraded dining, and enhanced premium passenger amenities.
Passengers travelling with Singapore Airlines through Melbourne Airport (MEL) can expect a significantly improved pre-flight experience.
According to Mainly Miles, the new lounge will open ahead of the previously projected late-2026 or early-2027 timeline and will feature the airline’s latest international lounge design concept.
New Melbourne SilverKris Lounge Set for Early Opening
Singapore Airlines first confirmed in November 2025 that Melbourne would be the next overseas station to receive a full SilverKris Lounge relocation as part of its ongoing international lounge investment programme.
At the time, the project was expected to open in late 2026 or potentially early 2027. The latest update confirms the facility is now scheduled to welcome passengers in September 2026, representing a notable acceleration of the original timeline.
The announcement follows the release of the first design renders, providing a detailed look at the airline’s future premium lounge offering in Melbourne.
New Location Ends Years in Basement
The Melbourne project is a complete relocation rather than a refurbishment of the existing lounge.
For more than a decade, Singapore Airlines passengers have used a windowless basement facility in Terminal 2, a lounge that frequently ranked among the least popular in the carrier’s network.
The new SilverKris Lounge will move to Level 2 above Gates 11 and 15 in Melbourne Airport’s international terminal.
The space was previously occupied by the Aspire Lounge. Before operating as Aspire, the facility was known as The House and originally served as Etihad Airways’ premium lounge.
The new location also sits directly opposite the Emirates Lounge, a premium facility often cited for its spacious design and extensive natural light.
Larger Space with Apron Views and Natural Light
One of the biggest improvements is the introduction of natural light throughout the lounge.
Unlike the current basement facility, the new SilverKris Lounge will feature windows on two sides, providing elevated views of the airport apron and aircraft movements.
The change addresses one of the most common complaints about the existing lounge, which has operated without external views since its last major renovation in 2013.
At approximately 750 square metres, the new facility will be around 30% larger than the current lounge. The additional space will support increased seating capacity, improved passenger flow, and a more comfortable environment during peak departure periods.
Key features confirmed so far include:
- Completely new lounge location
- Approximately 30% more space
- Windows on two sides
- Elevated apron views
- September 2026 opening
- Latest Singapore Airlines lounge design concept
- Dedicated First Class section
- Live cooking stations
- Full-service bar
- Productivity pods and workspaces
Design Inspired by Perth and London Heathrow
The new Melbourne lounge closely follows the design philosophy introduced at Singapore Airlines’ recently upgraded lounges in Perth and London Heathrow.
Passengers familiar with those facilities will immediately recognize several signature design elements.
The lounge will feature a batik-inspired entrance wall, extensive timber finishes, marble accents, premium seating areas, and the high-backed wing chairs that have become a hallmark of the airline’s latest lounge developments.
Dedicated productivity pods will also be available for passengers wishing to work before departure, while multiple seating zones will cater to both relaxation and business needs.
The project was developed in partnership with Singapore-based design firm ONG&ONG, with architectural renders produced by Australian firm MODE.
Upgraded Dining and Beverage Experience
Singapore Airlines will significantly enhance the food and beverage offering in Melbourne.
The new lounge will include live cooking stations and a fully attended bar, mirroring the successful dining concept introduced at the Perth SilverKris Lounge.
These additions are designed to provide a more premium pre-flight experience and expand dining options for eligible passengers.
The larger footprint will also allow for improved seating arrangements around dining areas, helping reduce congestion during busy departure periods.
Dedicated First Class Section Retained
As with the current facility, the new Melbourne SilverKris Lounge will include a dedicated First Class section.
Access will be available to:
- Singapore Airlines Suites passengers
- Singapore Airlines First Class passengers
- Star Alliance First Class passengers
- Solitaire PPS Club members travelling on Singapore Airlines
The dedicated space arrives at an important time for Melbourne operations.
Singapore Airlines continues to operate the Airbus A380 on Melbourne services SQ237 and SQ228 throughout the year, increasing the number of First Class, Suites, and Business Class passengers departing from the airport.
The upgraded lounge will provide these premium travellers with a significantly improved ground experience before boarding.
SilverKris Lounge Access Rules
The Business Class section of the Melbourne SilverKris Lounge will be available to eligible passengers travelling on Singapore Airlines or Star Alliance-operated flights.
Eligible passengers include:
Premium Cabin Passengers
- Suites Class passengers plus one guest
- First Class passengers plus one guest
- Business Class passengers
Frequent Flyer Members
- KrisFlyer Elite Gold members plus one guest
- PPS Club members plus one guest
- Solitaire PPS Club members plus one guest
- Star Alliance Gold members plus one guest
Eligible Lounge Membership Holders
- United Club members plus one guest
- Air Canada Maple Leaf Club Worldwide members plus one guest
Where guest access is permitted, the guest must travel on the same departing flight.
Additional Singapore Airlines Partner Access
When travelling on Singapore Airlines-operated flights, the following passengers are also eligible:
- Virgin Australia Velocity Platinum members plus one guest
- Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members plus one guest
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members
Eligible guests must travel on the same Singapore Airlines flight.
Saying Goodbye to the “Lounge Dungeon”
The current Melbourne SilverKris Lounge has long been criticised for its basement location, limited space, and lack of natural light.
Its reputation became so well known that Singapore Airlines Vice President of Lounge Development, Timothy Chua, previously described the facility as the network’s “ugly duckling.”
The move to a larger, brighter, purpose-built location represents one of the most dramatic lounge transformations within Singapore Airlines’ international network.
For regular travellers departing Melbourne, the difference between the old and new facilities is expected to be substantial.
Global Lounge Refresh
Melbourne’s upgrade continues a broader investment programme across Singapore Airlines’ lounge portfolio.
Recent projects include major upgrades in Perth and London Heathrow, improvements in Sydney, and extensive redevelopment work at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
The airline recently unveiled a new First Class SilverKris Lounge at Changi Terminal 2 and continues phased upgrades of the Terminal 2 Business Class Lounge.
These investments follow the wider Terminal 3 lounge redevelopment completed in 2022, which included the introduction of an upgraded The Private Room experience.
Once Melbourne enters service, Taipei will remain one of the few overseas locations still operating an older-generation SilverKris Lounge design.
Bottom Line
Singapore Airlines will open its new Melbourne SilverKris Lounge in September 2026, significantly earlier than initially expected.
The facility will replace the airline’s long-standing basement lounge with a larger, modern space featuring natural light, apron views, upgraded dining facilities, dedicated productivity areas, and a dedicated First Class section.
With approximately 30% more space, a premium new location above Gates 11 and 15, and design elements inspired by the airline’s newest lounges in Perth and London Heathrow, the Melbourne SilverKris Lounge is set to become one of the most significant upgrades within Singapore Airlines’ international lounge network.
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