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In a significant update for travelers, Singapore Airlines has announced the upcoming closure of its SilverKris Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. This change will take effect on June 15, 2026, marking the end of an 11-year era for the lounge, which has served premium passengers since its opening in July 2015. The closure is part of a wider redevelopment initiative at Terminal 3, necessitating changes to the current airport facilities.
The decision to close the SilverKris Lounge is closely associated with Terminal 3’s modernization efforts. Passengers will be able to use the lounge until its final operational day on June 14, 2026. Following this date, eligible travelers will be redirected to the First Meridian Lounge located on Level 4 of Terminal 3.
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Since its inception in 2015, the SilverKris Lounge has catered to First Class and Business Class passengers, as well as PPS Club members, KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, Star Alliance Gold members, and other eligible travelers flying with Singapore Airlines. Its closure signifies a major transition for premium travelers, who have relied on this lounge as an integral aspect of their travel experience.
For over a decade, the SilverKris Lounge has been a hallmark for passengers departing Manila, providing a gateway to Singapore and onward travel across Asia, Australia, Europe, and beyond. While the Singapore Airlines branding will be eliminated from Manila’s airport experience, eligible travelers will still have access to premium amenities through the First Meridian Lounge.
The SilverKris Lounge in Manila has become synonymous with Singapore Airlines’ outstanding service and passenger care. It embraced the airline’s “Home Away From Home” design philosophy, providing an inviting atmosphere for travelers to relax before their flights.
The lounge featured local Filipino artwork, comfortable workspaces, an extensive buffet selection, and views overlooking the airport’s tarmac—rendering it a thoughtful blend of Singaporean influence and the Philippines’ vibrant culture.
The facility temporarily closed during the COVID-19 pandemic but reopened in May 2022, reinstating its role in the premium travel landscape for Singapore Airlines’ Manila service. However, the impending closure signifies more than just the loss of a waiting area; it represents the end of a familiar farewell experience for numerous frequent flyers and business travelers who have made this lounge a part of their journeys.
Following the closure of the SilverKris Lounge, Singapore Airlines passengers will be guided to the First Meridian Lounge located on Level 4 of Terminal 3. The airline has guaranteed that lounge access will continue for qualifying customers flying from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Passengers in First Class and Business Class will retain their access privileges, alongside PPS Club members, KrisFlyer Elite Gold members, Star Alliance Gold members, and select Virgin Australia Velocity frequent flyers traveling on Singapore Airlines services. Guests accompanying these eligible passengers must be booked on the same flight, in accordance with established Star Alliance lounge access guidelines.
However, it’s important to note that one benefit will be discontinued: Solitaire PPS Club members traveling with Scoot will no longer have dedicated lounge access once the SilverKris Lounge is closed.
The First Meridian Lounge is expected to offer modern facilities, such as dining areas, designated workspaces, and quiet zones for travelers looking to rest before departure. The transition aims to ensure a streamlined experience for premium guests while managing crowding more effectively.
The closure of the SilverKris Lounge is part of a broader redevelopment initiative at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, impacting various facilities across Terminal 3. Other airlines, including Cathay Pacific, have also announced the closure of their lounges as part of the terminal reconfiguration.
These changes highlight the evolving landscape of passenger experiences in airports, particularly for premium travelers. Airline lounges are pivotal in providing a consistent service experience; however, ongoing redevelopment may necessitate relocating or removing these facilities.
For the Philippines, this airport redevelopment is framed as an enhancement of infrastructure and passenger services, serving as a critical gateway for business travelers, tourists, overseas Filipino workers, and connecting passengers.
While some travelers may feel temporary inconvenience due to the familiar spaces changing, the overarching goal points toward a more modern and efficient airport experience. Travelers flying between the Philippines and Singapore must note that the shift from a dedicated Singapore Airlines lounge to a partner lounge arrangement is significant.
The Manila SilverKris Lounge’s closure will lead to a contraction of Singapore Airlines’ overseas lounge network, although the airline will maintain operations in many key international markets. SilverKris Lounges will continue to be available in locations such as Bangkok, Brisbane, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Perth, Seoul, Sydney, and Taipei.
These lounges remain vital for Singapore Airlines’ premium customer strategy, extending the airline’s service identity beyond Singapore and into important global destinations. Regular travelers have often associated the SilverKris brand with a high level of comfort, privacy, fine dining, and a controlled atmosphere prior to flying.
While the loss of the Manila lounge will be noticeable for frequent passengers, the provision of access to the First Meridian Lounge ensures that some level of premium on-ground support will remain available in the Philippines.
For those departing from Manila, June 14, 2026, will mark the last opportunity to enjoy the SilverKris Lounge experience. Starting June 15, 2026, eligible passengers will find themselves directed to the First Meridian Lounge.
First Class and Business Class passengers, along with PPS Club, KrisFlyer Elite Gold, Star Alliance Gold, and qualifying Virgin Australia Velocity members, should review their lounge eligibility well before their journey, especially if they are planning to travel with guests.
Frequent flyers who are accustomed to the SilverKris Lounge’s layout, food service, and tarmac views should also prepare for a shift in their lounge experience. While access to a premium space remains intact, the ambiance will no longer carry the same Singapore Airlines branding.
For those who have relied on this lounge for almost 11 years, the change can feel significant, marking the end of a cherished travel tradition. Nonetheless, premium passengers will continue to have a designated area for relaxation, work, dining, and preparation before boarding their flights.
The impending closure of the SilverKris Lounge at Manila Airport signals an important shift in the travel landscape for Singapore Airlines in the Philippines. Having provided exceptional service to premium travelers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport since 2015, its final day of operation on June 14, 2026, will be pivotal.
However, this transition reflects the ongoing advancements at Manila Airport and the reconfiguration of passenger services. Other airlines have similarly adapted, indicating that these developments extend beyond a single provider.
While lounge access will not vanish, it will now be facilitated through the First Meridian Lounge, ensuring that premium benefits are still accessible for eligible travelers. As the Philippines makes strides in modernizing its busiest airport, and as Singapore Airlines adapts its ground service approach in Manila, the future of premium travel appears poised for new opportunities and experiences.
Source: The post Philippines and Singapore Announce End of Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge at Manila Airport After Years With Transition to First Meridian Lounge first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
