London Heathrow and Newark Gain New Centurion Lounges as American Express Plans a Major Airport Luxury Expansion

American Express announced on 8 October 2026 plans to develop and enlarge Centurion Lounges in Newark, Philadelphia and Houston in the United States, alongside London Heathrow in the United Kingdom. The programme will increase space and expand dining, working and relaxation facilities for eligible cardholders, with projects expected to open or reach completion during 2027 and 2028.

The company describes the programme as its largest Centurion Lounge expansion to date. It combines a new Newark location and a second Heathrow lounge with improvements to existing facilities in Philadelphia and Houston. The announcement therefore covers four airport projects, rather than four additional airports joining the network.

Philadelphia closure creates immediate planning changes

Philadelphia International Airport presents the earliest change for travellers. Its Centurion Lounge in Terminal A West, near Gate A14, will close on 16 October 2026 while American Express expands and redesigns the space. The operator expects the lounge to reopen by the end of 2027. Planned additions include a Blue Roast by American Express coffee and wellness bar, alongside more space for passengers before departure.

During construction, eligible cardholders can explore other Philadelphia lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. Access to those alternatives remains subject to their individual requirements and restrictions. The closure notice does not provide a specific reopening day.

Newark prepares the network’s largest lounge

At Newark Liberty International Airport, American Express expects to open its new Terminal A lounge in 2027. The company identifies the planned facility as the largest Centurion Lounge to date, spread across two floors. New Jersey’s cultural heritage, culinary traditions and history of invention will shape the design. Planned facilities include three locally inspired bar concepts and a Blue Roast coffee and wellness bar.

Food will feature dishes from the Culinary Collective by The Centurion Lounge, which brings together award-winning chefs. Newark will extend the operator’s New York-area coverage alongside its existing lounges at John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.

The operator’s published directory already includes Centurion Lounges at both New York airports. It also lists Boston Logan and a Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge location at Charlotte Douglas as coming soon. Those forthcoming locations are separate listings from the Newark, Heathrow, Philadelphia and Houston projects. The directory distinguishes planned openings from operating lounges, with Newark still marked as a future location rather than an available facility. Newark’s listing gives no specific opening day.

London Heathrow expands into Terminal 5

Heathrow has confirmed that its second Centurion Lounge will open in Terminal 5 in 2028. The airport places the planned facility on Concourse A, near gates A1–A7, and describes a space of approximately 9,000 square feet. Facilities will include food and beverage services, seating, dedicated workspaces and a VIP area. Eligible Platinum and Centurion cardholders and their guests will be able to use the lounge under the applicable access conditions.

The terminal location changes the practical reach of the network. American Express’s existing Heathrow lounge sits after security in Terminal 3 and is accessible only to passengers travelling through that terminal. The Terminal 5 project will complement that lounge, rather than replace it.

Houston plans a substantially larger passenger space

At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, the Centurion Lounge will grow from approximately 8,000 square feet to more than 23,000 square feet, nearly tripling its footprint. The operator expects the refurbishment to be fully completed by 2028. Plans include a speciality dining area with rotating plated dishes reflecting Houston’s culinary traditions and Gulf Coast flavours. The existing buffet format will remain, offering another dining option.

A second full-service bar, a Blue Roast coffee and wellness bar, upgraded toilets, shower suites and different seating areas form part of the redesign. Houston’s landscape, coastal setting and connection to space exploration will influence the interiors. The airport announcement does not set out a closure timetable comparable to Philadelphia’s.

Access rules remain essential for travel advisers

The developments do not give every American Express cardholder automatic lounge entry. Eligibility depends on the card product, while guest arrangements differ between card categories and issuing markets. Under the current published Platinum rules, passengers need a qualifying card and a confirmed same-day boarding pass. Names must match, and staff may request government-issued identification.

Platinum cardholders generally enter within three hours of departure. For qualifying same-day connections, the current policy allows entry within five hours of the onward flight. Guests covered by the published Platinum policy must travel on the same flight as the cardholder. For US personal and business Platinum cardholders, standard adult guest charges currently stand at $50 at US Centurion Lounges and £35 in London. Complimentary guest access can apply after qualifying annual spending. Corporate and internationally issued Platinum cards have different guest provisions, making the specific card terms relevant to each booking. e

All access remains subject to available space. For travel advisers, the announced opening years describe future facilities, not services available for immediate itineraries. Philadelphia’s closure and Heathrow’s terminal restrictions affect which lounge facilities travel advisers can include when preparing clients’ itineraries.