South Africa’s best airport is getting a new premium lounge for travellers
South African Airways (SAA) and Discovery have unveiled a newly refurbished domestic departures airport lounge at Cape Town International Airport.
The lounge will officially open on Friday, 22 August, joining the redesigned international departures lounge at OR Tambo International and the domestic departures lounge at Chief Dawid Stuurman International airports.
According to Discovery, the lounge has undergone extensive renovations and now boasts increased capacity and a host of premium amenities.
Guests can expect dining areas, collaborative workspaces, private focus booths, and a variety of seating options.
“The culinary offering has been significantly enhanced, featuring an expanded menu, full-service bars, and refined dining facilities that create an inspiring, relaxing and indulgent pre-flight experience,” the group said.
Highlights of the new lounge include:
- Copper-clad concierge desks offering a warm, personalised welcome
- A mixology show-bar with expert baristas and bartenders
- Buffet-style dining with gourmet breakfasts, all-day meals, and crafted canapés
- Private focus booths ideal for work, entertainment, or calls
- Universal charging ports and high-speed WiFi throughout the space
According to SAA chief executive, John Lamola, the partnership is part of SAA’s strategy to recapture customer attention by putting them at the centre of the flying experience.
Despite SAA’s widely known financial troubles and rocky operations over the past decade, the airline has been on a turnaround since coming out of business rescue in 2021.
The group has entered a period of consolidation, securing its routes and opening new ones, while improving its financial positioning, service levels, and expanding its fleet.
Notably, the carrier is still recognised as one of the top airlines in the world. SAA ranked 67th in 2025 Skytrax top Airlines ranking, up from 69th in 2024, which itself was an improvement over prior years.
The airline also ranked as having the best airline staff among South African airlines.
On the airport front, Cape Town International Airport also received three accolades in the Skytrax Airport awards, winning Best Airport in Africa, Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa.
With the latest partnership between SAA and Discovery for a new lounge experience at Cape Town International, the standards are lifting for all involved.
Discovery noted that all Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members get access to the Vitality Travel platform and its suite of travel benefits, including discounted flights.
Discovery Bank Black and Purple cardholders receive additional perks, such as exclusive access to Discovery Priority Fast Track at both OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports.
Access to The Lounge is managed via the Discovery Bank app, where members can generate a digital voucher for entry.
Photos of the new lounge
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