Summary:
- Plaza Premium Group expands its airport hospitality footprint at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, set to operate four lounges by summer 2026 as demand for premium passenger services continues to grow.
- Experience-driven travellers fuel the evolution of airport lounges, with the introduction of Plaza Premium First bringing personalised hospitality, bespoke dining and elevated pre-flight experiences to the airport.
- Strategic airport-hospitality partnerships drive commercial and CX growth, as PPG reports a 32% year-on-year increase in passengers served in 2025, reinforcing lounges as a key pillar of non-aeronautical revenue and journey enhancement.
Plaza Premium Group (PPG) is expanding its lounge and passenger services at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. PPG will operate four lounges at the airport by the 2026 summer season – three international and one domestic. This includes a newly opened domestic lounge, with the existing domestic lounge set to convert into an international lounge.
The grand opening of the new Plaza Premium Lounge Anadolu in Domestic Departures at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport was marked by an inaugural ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“In the modern era of aviation, travel is defined not merely by the destination, but by the excellence of the journey itself,” said Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Chief Finance Officer Hanita Ahmad. “By collaborating with a world-renowned leader like Plaza Premium Group, we are ensuring that Sabiha Gökçen meets those expectations. The inauguration of this new lounge is a physical manifestation of our shared commitment to redefining and elevating the passenger experience at every touchpoint.”
Recognising the growing demand from experience-driven travellers, PPG is creating a distinct proposition. It will soon introduce Plaza Premium First – its elevated lounge brand – at Sabiha Gökçen. Plaza Premium First is designed for discerning travellers and represents an evolution of Plaza Premium Group’s mission to redefine travel through personalised hospitality, bespoke dining and curated cocktails, wines and spirits.
Plaza Premium First lounges are currently located in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Macau, Vancouver, Phnom Penh, and most recently Rome, with more locations coming soon including Dallas, New York, and Riyadh.
“PPG is celebrating its 5th anniversary in Turkey,” said Plaza Premium Group Founder and CEO Mr. Song Hoi See. “We began our journey here in 2021 with two lounges, Fast Track, and Meet & Assist services at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. PPG has been growing alongside the airport and the tourism industry. We are optimistic about the growth opportunities as we look forward to further expansion across Türkiye.”
In 2025, PPG hosted over 1.2 million passengers across its lounges, fast-track, and meet-and-assist services at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, representing a significant increase of 32% compared to the previous year.
“At Sabiha Gökçen, our goal is to ensure that every journey through our terminal is fluid, intuitive, and genuinely welcoming,” said Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer Kerem Maybek. “This ‘More Than an Airport’ philosophy is brought to life by partners who share our dedication to excellence. My thanks go to the Plaza Premium Group and Mr. Song Hoi See; their investment in our future is a vital catalyst for the premium experience we provide today.”
Plaza Premium Group Deputy CEO Ali Bora İşbulan added: “We’ve seen steady growth in Türkiye’s travel industry alongside strengthened connectivity. PPG also saw significant expansion in the past five years. We are excited to broaden our portfolio of airport hospitality services in Sabiha Gökçen Airport and provide more options for travellers, making every journey more comfortable, personalised, and seamless.”
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