Singapore regulars will probably know that there is no shortage of great Oneworld lounges available at Changi Airport, mostly in Terminal 1, and this includes a decent Business Class option in the form of the British Airways Singapore Lounge.

Usually open daily from 4pm to 11pm, the lounge primarily serves passengers departing on British Airways flights to Sydney at around 8pm, or to London on one of two flights that both go wheels-up shortly after 11pm.

However, it is also accessible to all travellers flying First or Business Class on a Oneworld carrier, as well as those holding Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status in a frequent flyer program, again when departing on a Oneworld flight.

Our readers should note that this week the lounge has become temporarily unavailable, though thankfully there are still some very nice alternatives.

British Airways Singapore Lounge under renovation

On Sunday 10th November 2024, British Airways closed its Singapore lounge temporarily for refurbishment.

It will reopen in early December 2024, and in the meantime eligible guests are being redirected to the nearby Qantas Singapore International Business Lounge (see our review), which boasts even longer opening hours than the BA lounge had before it was temporarily shuttered.

Many British Airways passengers already preferred using this lounge before their flights, thanks to its ambiance, variety of seating options, extensive food selection, and tended bar.

However, it does tend to get crowded in the evenings, and this temporary arrangement ‘requiring’ all British Airways lounge-eligible passengers to use the Qantas facility will likely add to the evening congestion.

There are alternatives though, which BA passengers should definitely be exploring, if they aren’t already!

Other Terminal 1 Oneworld lounge options

Although British Airways is directing its customers to use the Qantas Business Lounge during this temporary closure of its own facility, it’s not the only Oneworld option available.

Those travelling in First Class with the airline can access the following lounges:

• Qantas Singapore First Lounge (T1)
• Qantas Singapore International Business Lounge (T1)
• Qatar Airways Premium Lounge (T1)
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T4)

Those travelling in Business Class with the airline can access the following lounges:

• Qantas Singapore International Business Lounge (T1)
• Qatar Airways Premium Lounge (T1)
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T4)

Those travelling in Premium Economy or Economy Class with the airline, holding Oneworld Emerald status, can access the following lounges:

• Qantas Singapore First Lounge (T1)
• Qantas Singapore International Business Lounge (T1)
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T4)

Those travelling in Premium Economy or Economy Class with the airline, holding Oneworld Sapphire status, can access the following lounges:

• Qantas Singapore International Business Lounge (T1)
• Cathay Pacific Lounge (T4)

Here’s a summary of the access requirements and opening hours of the Oneworld lounges that will remain open during this temporary closure of the British Airways facility, including links to our detailed reviews.

Qantas Singapore Business Lounge READ OUR REVIEW
Access: Oneworld First or Business Class Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status	Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 2.30pm – 1am Tue & Sun 7.50am – 10am 2.30pm – 1am Thu 7.50am – 1am

Qantas Singapore First Lounge READ OUR REVIEW
Access: Oneworld First Class Oneworld Emerald status	Opening hours: 3.15pm – 11pm daily

Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge READ OUR REVIEW
Access: Oneworld First or Business Class	Opening hours: 7.15am to 10.15am daily 5.25pm to 3.15am daily

Cathay Pacific Singapore Lounge READ OUR REVIEW
Access: Oneworld First or Business Class Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire status	Opening hours: 3.40am to 1.25 daily

There’s no limit to the number of visits you can make to these lounges, subject to your eligibility criteria based on travel class or Oneworld status as outlined above.

That said, you probably won’t be too interested in making the trek to T4 to use the Cathay Pacific lounge if you’re departing on a British Airways flight, given the time is takes to get to and from Changi’s ‘remote’ terminal, which relies on airside and landside bus links, rather than a Skytrain connection.

If you’re wondering who foots the bill for a “lounge safari” prior to a Oneworld flight at Changi, our article from earlier this breaks down the details (most important thing, don’t worry – it’s not you!).

What can we expect from the refurbishment?

British Airways is only closing its Singapore lounge for a short time, with an early December 2024 reopening suggesting a three to four-week revamp.

That’s not enough time for any major renovation to take place, so it’s probably safe to say we’re looking at a replacement of the furniture and some fittings, rather than some jaw-dropping new design with a tended cocktail bar and Cabanas for First Class guests, or anything like that.

We’ve got a recent full review of the lounge, which includes shower facilities, Champagne (on request) and a dedicated section for those departing in the BA First Class cabin, which we also took a look at.

British Airways has shuttered its lounge at Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 1 for a few weeks, in what looks likely to be a minor refresh, with reopening slated for early December 2024, ahead of the Christmas rush.

Eligible lounge guests are being redirected to the Qantas Singapore International Business lounge, but alternatives include the excellent Qantas First Lounge (for a lucky few), plus the Qatar Airways Singapore Premium Lounge and the Cathay Pacific facility over in T4.

Since the Qantas Business Lounge will get even more crowded than usual during this period, do consider one of the alternatives if you’re affected – especially the Qantas First and Qatar Airways options, both of which are standouts at Changi.

(Cover Photo: MainlyMiles)