Singapore Airlines Ends SilverKris Lounge at Manila Airport as First Meridian Lounge Takes Over

Crystal Travel | Travel News | 4 June 2026

After Years of Serving Premium Travellers at Manila Airport, Singapore Airlines' SilverKris Lounge Makes Way for the First Meridian Lounge

Singapore Airlines Confirms SilverKris Lounge Closure at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Singapore Airlines has announced the closure of its SilverKris Lounge at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, bringing an end to a long-established premium lounge presence at one of Southeast Asia's busiest international terminals. The airline's iconic lounge brand will be replaced by the First Meridian Lounge, which will serve as the new designated pre-departure facility for eligible Singapore Airlines passengers travelling through the Philippine capital.

The transition signals a significant shift in the premium ground travel experience at Manila's main international hub, and is one that UK travellers with upcoming itineraries through the Philippines should be aware of well in advance.

Why Singapore Airlines Is Moving Away From the SilverKris Brand in Manila

The move is part of a wider pattern emerging across the global aviation industry, where major carriers are stepping back from operating fully branded lounge facilities at certain regional airports in favour of working with established third-party lounge operators. This approach allows airlines to continue offering eligible passengers a quality pre-departure experience without carrying the operational costs of managing an entirely proprietary space at every airport on their network.

Manila, as a key Southeast Asian transit hub connecting flights across the Philippines, Australia, the Middle East, and Europe, has long been a high-traffic stopover for international passengers. The decision to transition lounge management here reflects the growing commercial pragmatism shaping airline hospitality strategies in the post-pandemic era.

Passengers Affected by Manila Lounge Change

Which Passengers Are Affected by the Manila Lounge Transition

The closure of the SilverKris Lounge will directly affect Singapore Airlines passengers who previously held lounge access at NAIA. This includes travellers flying in Business Class or First Class on Singapore Airlines, as well as KrisFlyer frequent flyer members holding elite tier status who were entitled to use the SilverKris facility before the transition.

These passengers will now be directed to the First Meridian Lounge for their pre-departure experience at Manila. Access rights are expected to continue under the new arrangement. All passengers are strongly advised to confirm their individual lounge eligibility directly with Singapore Airlines before travelling, as specific terms may vary during the transition period.

What the First Meridian Lounge Means for Premium Travellers at NAIA

The First Meridian Lounge steps in as the replacement facility for premium travellers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. As with any lounge transition, passengers can expect a period of adjustment as the new facility establishes itself as the primary pre-departure option for qualifying Singapore Airlines travellers at the terminal.

UK passengers in particular — many of whom route through Manila on long-haul journeys to the Philippines or onward connections across Asia-Pacific — should familiarise themselves with the new lounge name and location within the terminal ahead of their visit to avoid any confusion on arrival.

Travel Advice for UK Passengers Flying Through Manila

For British travellers with Singapore Airlines bookings that include a transit or departure from Manila, now is the time to review your lounge access entitlements, check the latest updates from Singapore Airlines, and factor in a little extra time at the airport during the changeover period.

At Crystal Travel, our experienced consultants are on hand to help UK travellers stay ahead of changes like these, ensuring every aspect of your journey — from departure lounge to final destination — is handled with care and expertise.