Priority Pass has named three airport lounges as Pioneers of the Year for 2026, recognizing projects that prioritize neurodiversity, sustainability, and material reuse. The honorees are BRT Lounge Porto Seguro in Brazil, Cozaya Lounge at King Fahd International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and A Coruña Sala VIP Lounge in Spain. They were chosen from a global network of over 1,900 lounges spanning 865 airports in 143 markets.
The awards showcase how lounges are adapting to meet traveler demands. BRT Lounge introduced a Calm Room tailored for neurodivergent passengers, providing a sensory-friendly retreat. Judges described its impact as transformative for families handling airport stress. This was the only Pioneer award dedicated to accessibility.
Cozaya Lounge earned recognition for cutting food waste and eliminating single-use plastics while upholding service standards. Staff training ensured sustainability became embedded in daily routines. The lounge also received an All-Star honor for its team leader, Abdulaziz Fahad Alharbi, who spearheaded improvements in comfort, organization, and cultural relevance.
A Coruña Sala VIP Lounge in Spain integrated recycled plastic bottles into its acoustic panels, blending soundproofing with environmental responsibility. The design enhanced guest satisfaction and highlighted sustainability through informational displays.
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Individual staff members also received accolades for outstanding service. Tran Minh Quang at SH Premium Lounge Hanoi 2 in Vietnam was commended for managing a medical emergency and personalizing guest interactions. Miao Shu Na at Oriental Club Lounge in Taiwan was similarly recognized for assisting a child with burns, illustrating how compassionate actions create lasting impressions.
This marks the 18th edition of Priority Pass’s Excellence Awards, which also crowned Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport as Global Lounge of the Year based on member feedback. Regional winners included lounges in Japan, Austria, Jamaica, and South Africa, while One to Watch awards went to venues in Italy, Japan, and Brazil.
The challenge moving forward lies in balancing customization with practical implementation. Lounges excelling in specialized areas, such as neurodiversity support or waste reduction, often depend on local partnerships and dedicated staff. Whether these models expand beyond award-winning locations depends on whether airlines and operators can scale them effectively while preserving the personal attention that defines their success.