Cathay Pacific Closes Lounge in Manila: What's Happening?

Cathay Pacific has just announced the closure of its lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, a disappointing update for passengers and frequent flyers of the airline. However, the reason provided appears to be less about a drop in demand and more about a decision from the airport operator.

Starting from May 2026, Cathay Pacific's lounge will officially close its doors, marking a loss for passengers who cherished the airline's luxurious space and professional service. According to Cathay's announcement, this decision comes from the airport operator's plan to develop lounges managed by the airport itself and charge airlines for access.

Opened in 2015, the Cathay Pacific lounge at NAIA has been recognized as one of the best lounges at the airport. With its elegant design and amenities like a Noodle Bar, it has delighted not only Cathay passengers but also those flying with other airlines in the same alliance.

Replacement with New Lounge

From June 1, business class passengers and premium members of Cathay Pacific will be directed to the First Meridian Lounge in Terminal 3. While this lounge offers some amenities such as a teppanyaki area, a workspace, and a children's playroom, it still doesn't compare to the service previously provided by Cathay's lounge.

Economic Moves by the Airport Operator

Information from Executive Traveller indicates that there is much discussion about NAIA potentially opening its own premium lounges and charging passengers for access to these facilities. If true, this move seems primarily profit-driven and does not prioritize passenger interests. The airport appears to want to eliminate competition from airline lounges to generate additional revenue from each traveler.

The development of NAIA is ongoing, but the closure of a well-known and high-quality lounge like Cathay Pacific's seems like a step backward. Manila and the people of the Philippines deserve a more modern and convenient airport.

Will There Be Improvements?

If NAIA aims to develop lounges that meet international standards, it should strive to enhance quality to surpass Cathay Pacific's lounge rather than eliminate a service that attracted customers. There needs to be a genuine investment in building and maintaining passenger service infrastructure, not just for short-term gains.

The closure of Cathay Pacific's lounge represents a real loss for the passenger experience at one of Southeast Asia's key airports. International travelers will now face lower-quality lounges, while the airport operator continues to collect fees from this situation.

Useful Information for Passengers from Vietnam

If you are planning to fly with Cathay Pacific from Vietnam to Manila, please note that you will no longer have access to the premium lounge at NAIA. The visa fee for entry into the Philippines is approximately $25 (around 600,000 VND), and the flight time from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Manila typically takes about 2-2.5 hours. The current exchange rate is around 24,000 VND per USD, so plan your finances carefully for the best travel experience.

Cathay Pacific has officially closed its lounge in Manila, a move seen as unwelcome but reflective of a larger trend toward optimizing revenue by airport operators. Stay tuned for updates and new services from Cathay Pacific as you prepare for your next flight!

Article referenced and edited from: Live and Let's Fly