Airlines are always racing each other to have the most luxurious lounges. Now Sydney is one-upping the competition by remodelling itself to create a balcony. The bad news? It’ll be closed for your Christmas travel.

If you’re flying out of Sydney this Christmas, brace for a little disappointment before take-off: the Qantas International Business Lounge will be closed from 8 December as the airline begins the next stage of its major upgrade.

The good news? It’s for something big. The Flying Kangaroo is remodelling its flagship international lounge to add a balcony — or more precisely, a 150-square-metre outdoor terrace where travellers can enjoy real sunlight and fresh air before boarding.

The move is part of a global lounge refurbishment program and a broader push to match Qantas’ ambitious Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights, which will soon connect Sydney directly to London and New York. When you’re preparing to spend 20 hours in the air, health, movement and wellness suddenly become key selling points.

Designed by Caon Design Office and Akin Atelier, the new Sydney International Business Lounge takes inspiration from Sydney’s natural beauty, with tones drawn from the Blue Mountains and Bondi. Qantas says the redevelopment will boost seating by more than 30 per cent and introduce a show kitchen, plated dining, and a bar serving everything from barista-made coffee to cocktails.

Flexible zones will cater to different moods — from quiet workstations to social areas — and most seats will feature USB-C and wireless charging.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said the investment was designed to meet surging demand from premium travellers and to prepare for the next era of global flying.

“As the demand for premium travel increases, we’re creating more space, more dining options and a completely enhanced on-ground experience in our new Sydney International Business Lounge and Auckland International Lounge,” Wallace said.

While Sydney passengers will be shuffled into a temporary lounge or the Plaza Premium Lounge during the remodel, Qantas customers across the ditch will be treated to something new. The redesigned Auckland International Lounge opens on 17 December, just in time for the Christmas rush, featuring locally sourced materials and a refreshed layout to support flights to Perth and New York.

The Sydney lounge upgrade is scheduled for completion in 2027 — right in time for the first of those ultra-long Project Sunrise flights to take off. So, while travellers might miss their favourite pre-flight sanctuary this summer, Qantas is betting the future of premium flying starts not just in the air, but on the balcony.