ICYMI: Cathay Pacific Just Permanently Closed Its Manila Airport Lounge

(SPOT.ph) It is officially the end of an era for local frequent flyers. In a move that caught many off guard, Cathay Pacific permanently shut down its beloved airport lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Sunday, May 31.

If your favorite part of flying out of NAIA T3 was the lounge’s famed Noodle Bar, then this news is definitely a bummer. Here’s what we know about the sudden closure of Cathay Pacific Lounge and what it means for outbound travelers in Manila.

It’s true: the airline’s business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers can no longer retreat to the famously cozy lounge to rest or enjoy a delicious bowl of wonton soup.

According to Cathay Pacific, the sudden exit is tied to the ongoing terminal reshuffling happening at NAIA.

“As part of the ongoing terminal redevelopment at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), our Cathay Pacific Lounge in Manila will permanently close on 31 May 2026 following the last Cathay Pacific flight departure from NAIA,” Cathay said in a statement to Executive Traveller.

And yes, the airline did note that they tried to stretch out their stay: “While we have endeavored to extend the timeline for the lounge’s closure, regrettably, we have been unable to do so.”

ICYDK, the lounge had been a Terminal 3 fixture since its debut in 2015. Although the 2020 pandemic forced it to pause operations, it reopened in 2023 with a newly refurbished layout.

Comfortable seats and sleek workstations filled the spacious Cathay Pacific Lounge, providing exactly what travelers needed before hopping on a long flight. The biggest draw, of course, was the signature Noodle Bar, which served fresh dim sum, wonton soup, and Dan Dan noodles that were always a step up from typical airport meals.

It wasn’t just Cathay passengers who took refuge here, either. As it was one of the highly rated lounges in Terminal 3, premium passengers flying on fellow Oneworld alliance airlines also regularly dropped by to use it. Meaning, this closure could also affect those who fly with American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, to name a few.

If premium lounges are an absolute must for you, don’t panic—you won’t have to go without. Cathay Pacific business class travelers, first class passengers, and elite frequent flyers are now being redirected to the 24-hour First Meridian Lounge, located on Level 4 of Terminal 3. 

While that space serves as the primary replacement, there are other retreats in the terminal. Other lounges operating in NAIA T3 include the airline-specific Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge, as well as independent spaces such as the PAGSS Premium Lounge, A Lounge, and the marhaba Lounge. These may not share the exact aesthetics of the old Cathay lounge, but they remain solid options for travelers looking to wait for their flights in comfort.

As for that yummy wonton soup? International jet-setters can still get their fix of Cathay Pacific's iconic Noodle Bar by visiting the airline's regional flagship lounges at transit hubs like Hong Kong International Airport and Tokyo's Haneda Airport.

Also Read: Credit Cards in the Philippines with Airport Lounge Access