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In a sad development for frequent travelers, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) will close on January 5th. The decision marks the end of an important chapter in the Sapphire Lounge story, as this location was the first to open in Chase’s network of premium airport lounges.
The Chase Sapphire Lounge website has been updated to reflect the upcoming closure, but neither Chase nor Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has released further details. The absence of language suggesting a temporary closure has led many to believe that the space may not return as part of Chase’s portfolio.
If the lounge were merely undergoing renovations, it would be reasonable to expect clearer messaging or mention of expected reopening plans. Instead, the listing simply confirms the shutdown date, leaving travelers and industry observers to speculate on the lounge’s long-term future.
Chase opened its first Sapphire Lounge in Hong Kong in October 2022 (nine years after American Express opened the first true Centurion® Lounge in Las Vegas). The network has since expanded to 10 locations across the United States with the newest location at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) opening tomorrow.
The Hong Kong lounge is notable for being one of the few Sapphire Lounge locations that allows unlimited access for Priority Pass members, without the typical once-per-year restriction imposed elsewhere. It currently welcomes travelers carrying the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business, and any card offering a Priority Pass membership.
As of now, it is unclear whether the lounge will be repurposed, rebranded under another operator, or removed entirely. Chase has indicated that more information will be shared at a later time, but no specifics are available. Given the lack of indicators that the closure is temporary, many are preparing for the likelihood that this marks a permanent exit from the Chase Sapphire Lounge network. The space could eventually return under a different brand, but for now, Chase cardholders will lose access to this location in early 2026.
The closing of the Hong Kong lounge represents a rare contraction in a network that has otherwise experienced steady growth. While Chase continues to expand its presence in US airports and strengthen its global footprint, the departure of its original lounge serves as a noteworthy milestone. I’ll be in Hong Kong for New Year’s and want to try to check it out before it closes.
Travelers will still have several lounge alternatives at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Priority Pass members, including those who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve or any eligible card with membership privileges, can visit multiple other spaces throughout the terminal. Options include the Kyra Lounge near Gate 23 and three Plaza Premium Lounge locations spread across the airport.
Anthony’s Take: Travelers passing through Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in the coming months may want to visit the Chase Sapphire Lounge before its final day of operation on January 5th. Further updates from Chase are expected and I’ll provide an update as soon as one is supplied.
(Image Credits: Chase.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
