For many travellers, an airport lounge offers a welcome pause before boarding. Now, one of South Africa’s best-known lounges has earned continental recognition after being named the top airport lounge in Africa.
The Bidvest Premier Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport has claimed first place in the Middle East and Africa category of the 2026 Priority Pass Excellence Awards.
As highlighted by BusinessTech, the annual awards are based on feedback from more than 700,000 Priority Pass members worldwide, making the rankings a reflection of travellers’ real experiences rather than a panel of judges.
The recognition places Johannesburg alongside some of the world’s highest-rated airport lounges, with regional winners announced across Asia, Europe, the Americas and Africa.
The overall global title this year went to the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport in Oregon, United States.
Bidvest says its lounges are designed to provide travellers with a welcome escape from the busy pace of airport terminals.
‘The main purpose of our Bidvest Lounges is to offer an oasis of comfort in the hustle and bustle of the airport. Smoking areas are available in most lounges.’
Beyond Johannesburg, Bidvest Premier operates domestic departure lounges at South Africa’s major airports, including Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, George, East London, Mpumalanga and Bloemfontein.
International departure lounges are available at OR Tambo, Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
The company also maintains partnerships with several banks, airlines and travel programmes, including ABSA, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Diners Club and the Collinson Group.
Eligible cardholders can access participating lounges according to the terms of their banking or travel benefits, while walk-in guests are accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
Facilities available to guests include complimentary food and beverages, free Wi-Fi, showers, accessible amenities, toilets, access to PressReader and designated smoking areas at selected locations.
Travellers choosing to pay for entry can expect to pay R334 for domestic lounge access or R708 for international access at the standard walk-in rate. Corporate rates are available from R300 for domestic departures and R638 for international travellers. Children younger than two enter free, while standard walk-in rates apply to older children.
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Picture: Bidvest Premier Lounge
