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Auckland Airport’s Strata Lounge has joined the ranks of the world’s leading airport lounges, ranking 20th in the Skytrax World’s Best Independent Airport Lounges 2026 awards.
The Skytrax rankings compare independent, non-airline lounges using feedback from travellers in its global airline passenger satisfaction survey. Strata Lounge is the only Australian or New Zealand lounge represented in this year’s top 20.
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker says the result recognises the team’s focus on continually improving the traveller experience.
“We’re committed to creating an airport that New Zealanders are proud of, and it’s great to see travellers responding positively to the improvements we’re making across the customer experience.
“Being recognised among the world’s top independent airport lounges is a credit to the Strata Lounge team alongside our partner Compass Group and the care they put into every guest’s experience.”
Located above the international departure gates, Strata Lounge is Auckland Airport’s independent lounge, used by our airline partners’ premium customers, global lounge programmes and direct bookings. Its food, wine and hospitality give guests a distinctly New Zealand experience before they fly.
Between July 2025 and June 2026, Strata Lounge welcomed almost 300,000 guests through 13 airline partners and four global lounge programmes, making it one of the region’s busiest independent lounges.
The lounge team regularly reviews feedback from travellers, airline partners and online reviews to identify where the experience can be improved. Recent changes include adjusting staffing around the busiest midday and evening periods, increasing the team’s presence on the floor, introducing more table service in the evenings, family-friendly upgrades, and continuing to improve the food and beverage offerings and invest in the lounge environment.
Strata Lounge’s customer satisfaction score in FY26 was 86%, with customer feedback highlighting service, cleanliness, food and beverage, and the overall lounge environment as key strengths.
“The team pays close attention to what guests tell us and uses that feedback to make practical improvements across the lounge,” Scott says.
“It’s not about one big change. It’s about consistently getting the fundamentals right and looking for ways to make the experience better.”
Separately, the lounge team has maintained a strong focus on reducing waste. Over the past year, Strata Lounge has reduced waste to landfill by 55 per cent and is cutting approximately one tonne of food waste each month through better forecasting, food preparation, composting initiatives and changes to day-to-day operations.
The lounge has also introduced Leanpath technology, an AI-powered system that tracks and analyses food waste in real time. The data helps the team identify where food is being wasted and adjust preparation, forecasting and portion sizes.
“Reducing waste is good for the environment and makes good operational sense,” Scott says.
“Better information helps the team prepare the right amount of food while continuing to provide a high-quality experience for guests.”
Chase Sapphire Lounge – LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was #1 independent lounge in the world, followed by Plaza Premium – Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
For more information: World’s Best Independent Airport Lounges 2026 | SKYTRAX
