Air France Plans Brand-New Newark Lounge

Air France has submitted a proposal to build a 6,129-square-foot section for lounging passengers at New Jersey's largest airport. The proposal will be evaluated during a meeting Thursday, but things are looking promising for the French flag carrier.

S'il Vous Plaît, Newark?

French airline Air France is proposing an new airport lounge at Terminal B in Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The airline is asking for a seven-year lease agreement and will commit to a total of $13.4 million during the lease's duration. The lease would begin January 1, 2025 and conclude in 2032. Air France will also invest $3 million to renovate the lounge space.

Air France discontinued flights to Newark in 2012, but has returned to the airport in December 2022 with flights that go directly to and from Paris. The growing business at Newark has encouraged the airline to request a larger presence at the New Jersey airport. With restricted lounge options, Air France currently rewards premium Newark travelers with meal vouchers.

While the final decision has yet to be reported, the Port Authority Board is recommending that the executive director approves the lease.
 

The Port Authority is currently planning to renovate Terminal B entirely, as part of the “EWR Vision Plan”. The lease proposal from Air France, however, would help decrease the renovation budget.

First built in the 1970s, Terminal B currently faces problems of overcrowded gates and lobbies, in addition to providing outdated decor and furnishings. This overhaul of Terminal B is expected to span the next several years, at least.

Terminal B's Other Occupants

Other airlines are also looking to contribute to Terminal B's face-lift. British Airways currently has a lounge space at the terminal, but also wants to invest at least $8.5 million to update it. The Port Authority suggests the airline would need to enter a seven-year lease costing over $13 million — similar to the proposed Air France deal.

French business class airline La Compagnie is also expected to keep its Lounge&Co post in Terminal B with a new long-term lease and renovation project. La Compagnie currently occupies the old Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, which closed down in 2023.

Terminal B also provides a Scandinavian Airlines lounge and USO lounge exclusive to current and former military personnel and their families.

Air France currently has six lounges in the United States. These lounges are located at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, Los Angeles International Airport, George Bush Airport in Houston, Boston Logan Airport, San Francisco Airport, and Washington Dulles Airport.