Key facts
- American Express's new Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport will open in 2027.
- The Newark lounge will be the largest in the AmEx network, exceeding 30,000 square feet.
- AmEx plans to expand lounges in London, Houston, and Philadelphia.
- The Philadelphia lounge will double in size to over 12,000 square feet and will close for renovations from October 16, 2026, until late 2027.
- A second London Heathrow lounge will open in 2028 in Terminal 5, measuring over 9,000 square feet.
- The Houston lounge is set to expand to over 23,000 square feet in 2028.
American Express is significantly expanding its airport lounge offerings to accommodate growing demand and alleviate overcrowding. The company announced on October 8, 2026, that its new Centurion Lounge at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) will now open in 2027, a delay from its previously planned 2026 opening. This new lounge is set to become the largest in the American Express network, spanning over 30,000 square feet, a substantial increase from the initially planned 17,000 square feet.
The EWR lounge will feature multiple bar experiences, including a main bar, a specialty diner-style bar, and a terrace bar inspired by New Jersey's Pine Barrens, offering gelato, pastries, and cocktails.
Beyond Newark, AmEx has broader expansion plans. A second Centurion Lounge is slated for London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in 2028, located in Terminal 5 and measuring over 9,000 square feet. The existing lounge in Philadelphia (PHL) will undergo a significant expansion, doubling its size to over 12,000 square feet. This expansion will require the lounge to temporarily close from October 16, 2026, until its completion by the end of 2027. The Centurion Lounge at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is also scheduled for a major expansion in 2028, nearly tripling its size to over 23,000 square feet, and will include new features like a specialty dining experience and a coffee bar.