Emirates closes Auckland Airport lounge for upgrade, still no sign of new Qantas lounge

Emirates has confirmed it has temporarily closed its Auckland lounge. The lounge at the international terminal closed on January 19 and will remain shut until March to allow for a much-needed refurbishment to take place. An Emirates spokesperson told Stuff Travel all eligible passengers, including first and business class passengersand Emirates/Qantas platinum and gold members, will be able to access the Strata Lounge instead. “The refurbishment of Emirates' Airport Lounge is part of the airline’s ongoing investment to further enhance and upgrade its products to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its customers," the spokesperson said.<br/>The airport’s revamped Strata Lounge reopened in August 2022, after closing during the pandemic. It has bookable wellness pods for guests, and is available for the everyday traveller to pay to enter, not just business and first class passengers. Guests can pay for a standard stay of up to four hours for $66 per person, or an extended stay of up to eight hours for $95. The bookable wellness pods are additional, starting at $166.<br/>