Travellers passing through Johannesburg have another reason to arrive at the airport early. The Bidvest Premier Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport has been named the best airport lounge in Africa and the Middle East in the 2026 Priority Pass Excellence Awards.
Image used for illustrative purposes/By: Nigel Jared/Getty Images
The annual awards are based on more than 700,000 reviews submitted by Priority Pass members, recognising lounges that consistently deliver outstanding service, comfort and amenities to travellers.
The Johannesburg lounge claimed the top regional honour for the Middle East and Africa, placing South Africa among the world’s leading airport hospitality destinations.
A traveller-voted award
The Priority Pass Excellence Awards celebrate airport lounges across five categories:
- Regional Winners (including an overall global winner)
- Highly Recommended Lounges
- Pioneer of the Year
- All-Star of the Year
- One to Watch
For 2026, the overall global winner was the Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport in Oregon, United States.
Other regional winners include:
- Asia: Lounge Fukuoka at Fukuoka International Airport, Japan
- Europe: Vienna Lounge at Vienna International Airport, Austria
- Latin America and the Caribbean: Club Kingston at Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica
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What travellers can expect
Bidvest Premier Lounges are designed to offer travellers a quiet retreat away from the busy airport terminals. According to Bidvest, the lounges aim to provide “an oasis of comfort in the hustle and bustle of the airport.”
Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including:
- Complimentary food and beverages
- Free Wi-Fi
- Access to PressReader digital publications
- Shower facilities
- Accessible amenities for travellers with disabilities
- Designated smoking areas at most lounges
The company also partners with several airlines and financial institutions, allowing eligible cardholders to access the lounges through participating programmes. Walk-in guests are also welcome, subject to availability.
Where to find Bidvest Premier Lounges
Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounges are available at major airports across South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, George, East London, Mbombela and Bloemfontein.
International departure lounges can be found at Johannesburg, Cape Town and Mbombela airports.
Current walk-in rates are R334 for domestic departures and R708 for international departures. Children under the age of two receive complimentary entry, while older children pay the standard walk-in fee.
The latest recognition further strengthens South Africa’s reputation for offering world-class travel experiences, even before visitors leave the airport.
SOURCE: Business Tech
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