Santiago Airport Upgrades T1 Terminal With Five Plaza Premium Lounges
Santiago de Chile Airport upgrades Domestic Terminal (T1) with five new 24-hour lounges operated by Plaza Premium Group, enhancing regional travel comfort.
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Santiago de Chile Airport is upgrading its Domestic Terminal (T1) with five new premium lounges operated by Plaza Premium Group, offering 24-hour facilities for regional and international travelers.
Enhancing Passenger Hospitality in Santiago's Domestic Terminal
Arturo Merino Benítez Airport is undertaking a major hospitality expansion in its Domestic Terminal (T1), replacing existing spaces with upgraded passenger facilities. Coordinated by Santiago de Chile Airport operators, the project introduces five new premium lounges designed around Chilean cultural identity. Operating around the clock, these spaces will offer travelers improved comfort, dining, and workspace amenities inside Chile's busiest aviation hub.
The five lounges will span a total footprint of 2,154 square metres and provide seating for 534 passengers. The upgrade is designed to improve the overall transit environment at a time when airport hospitality is becoming a key factor in airport competitiveness.
The domestic terminal remains a central part of Chile's internal transport system, welcoming over 12 million passengers across 17 destinations in 2025. Introducing high-quality amenities within the terminal supports national travel connectivity and raises passenger service standards.
Upgrading Transit Comfort for International Travelers
Travelers from the United States and other global markets will gain access to improved airport comfort during their journeys through Chile. Santiago serves as a vital entry point connecting North America with the southern cone, and upgraded airport facilities support smoother arrivals and transfers.
For long-haul passengers arriving from US cities, these 24-hour lounges offer a comfortable space to relax before connecting to domestic destinations. Offering high-quality ground services helps strengthen Chile's appeal in the competitive international leisure and business travel sectors.
As travelers increasingly prioritize seamless transit experiences, these premium lounges support overall visitor satisfaction from departure to arrival.
Supporting South American Cross-Border Mobility
The upgraded lounge network also benefits passengers traveling along key South American regional corridors, particularly between Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and Peru. These cross-border links are supported by steady business travel and growing tourism demand.
For Brazilian and Argentine visitors connecting through Santiago, the T1 terminal upgrades will provide a more convenient and comfortable environment. Improved facilities help streamline passenger movement and support the airport's ambition to be a primary gateway for South American travel.
Partnering with Plaza Premium Group brings international airport hospitality expertise to Chile's aviation market. The global operator manages lounges in over 600 airports across 150 countries, serving more than 30 million travelers annually.
Santiago Airport Premium Lounge Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Gateway | Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez Airport |
| Location Terminal | Domestic Terminal (T1) |
| New Lounge Count | Five premium facilities |
| Operator | Plaza Premium Group |
| Total Footprint | 2,154 square metres |
| Capacity | 534 seats |
| Operating Schedule | 24 hours daily |
| Launch Timeline | Phase 1 (3 lounges) by late 2026; Phase 2 (2 lounges) in 2027 |
Plaza Premium Group Operational Footprint
| PPG Metric | Operational Scope |
|---|---|
| Airport Presence | More than 600 airports |
| Global Reach | Over 150 countries |
| Annual Passengers | Over 30 million travelers served |
| Industry Awards | More than 180 international accolades |
Phased Development Timeline for Terminal 1 Lounges
The premium lounge expansion project will be executed in two distinct development phases to minimize disruption to domestic passenger operations:
- Phase One (Late 2026): Three of the new premium lounges are scheduled to open by the end of 2026, introducing the initial wave of capacity.
- Phase Two (2027): The remaining two premium facilities will undergo refurbishment and reopen in 2027, completing the full five-lounge footprint.
This phased rollout ensures that domestic passengers have access to lounge facilities throughout the construction window, supporting stable operations at the terminal.
Frequently Asked Questions: Santiago Airport Lounges
Where are the new Santiago Airport lounges located?
The five new lounges are located in the Domestic Terminal (T1) of Santiago de Chile Arturo Merino Benítez Airport.
What are the operating hours for these new facilities?
All five premium lounges operated by Plaza Premium Group will operate 24 hours daily, providing around-the-clock service.
When will the new lounges open to passengers?
The project is split into two phases, with three lounges opening by late 2026 and the remaining two scheduled for 2027.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, travel policies, regulations, and conditions change rapidly. Always verify information with official sources before making travel decisions. Nomad Lawyer makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Readers should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to their circumstances. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nomad Lawyer.
Kunal K Choudhary
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A passionate traveller and tech enthusiast. Kunal contributes to the vision and growth of Nomad Lawyer, bringing fresh perspectives and driving the community forward.
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