Business
Cape Town International Airport Premium Lounge by SAA and Discovery
Cape Town Airport unveils a premium new lounge
Cape Town International Airport has added another jewel to its crown. Already rated Africa’s best airport by Skytrax, the hub has now unveiled a new premium domestic departures lounge in partnership with South African Airways (SAA) and Discovery. The lounge officially opens on 22 August 2025 and is designed to give travellers a world-class experience before they board.
This development comes as SAA continues its turnaround journey after exiting business rescue in 2021. Discovery, meanwhile, is extending its Vitality Travel platform to integrate banking, lifestyle, and travel into one seamless experience.
What travellers can expect inside
The new lounge is more than a waiting area; it has been designed as an experience in itself.
-
Copper-clad concierge desks offer personalised welcomes.
-
A mixology show-bar brings together expert baristas and bartenders.
-
Buffet dining now features gourmet breakfasts, all-day meals, and crafted canapés.
-
Private focus booths allow for work, calls, or streaming entertainment.
-
High-speed WiFi and universal charging ports cover the entire space.
The aim is to combine comfort, convenience, and indulgence, whether a traveller is starting their day with coffee or winding down with a crafted cocktail before a late flight.
Why this matters for SAA
For SAA, the new lounge reflects a broader recovery strategy. After years of financial struggles, the airline has re-established its operations, secured profitable routes, and improved its fleet. In 2025, it climbed to 67th place on the Skytrax global rankings, up from 69th in 2024, and was recognised as having the best airline staff service in South Africa.
Chief executive John Lamola has stressed that passengers must feel valued again. The lounge, in partnership with Discovery, is one way of showing that customer experience is at the centre of the airline’s revival.
Discovery perks for members
Discovery Bank and Vitality clients can access the lounge through the Vitality Travel platform, which offers discounted flights and travel benefits. Black and Purple cardholders enjoy extra perks, including Discovery Priority Fast Track at both Cape Town and OR Tambo International airports.
Access is managed digitally via the Discovery Bank app, where members generate a voucher for entry, a streamlined, app-first approach that suits today’s travellers.
Cape Town International’s rising global status
Cape Town International Airport is not just South Africa’s pride but also Africa’s benchmark for excellence. It recently won three accolades at the Skytrax Airport Awards: Best Airport in Africa, Best Airport Staff Service in Africa, and Cleanest Airport in Africa.
The new lounge builds on this reputation, showing that South African travel experiences can rival the best in the world. Online reaction has been positive, with many travellers pointing out that this finally feels like the kind of premium service one expects at leading international hubs.
A symbol of renewal
For frequent flyers, the new SAA-Discovery lounge signals more than luxury. It represents South Africa’s aviation industry pushing forward after years of setbacks. With SAA repositioning itself and Discovery driving innovation, the collaboration is both practical and symbolic: a reminder that travel in South Africa can be both proudly local and globally competitive.
Also read: House of One Makes History as First South African Brand to Partner with Shein
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Business Tech
Featured Image: iStock
