The Bidvest Premier Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport has been named the best airport lounge in the Middle East and Africa.

The Johannesburg lounge secured first place in its region at the 2026 Priority Pass Excellence Awards, placing South Africa among the world’s leading airport lounge destinations.

The annual awards were determined using feedback from more than 700,000 Priority Pass members worldwide. This means the results reflected the experiences of travellers rather than the decision of a judging panel.

Regional winners were also selected across Asia, Europe and the Americas. The Escape Lounge at Portland International Airport in Oregon, United States, received the overall global title for 2026.

A Break from Busy Terminals

Bidvest said its lounges aim to give passengers a comfortable space away from crowded airport terminals.

Guests can access complimentary food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, toilets, accessible facilities and PressReader. Showers and designated smoking areas are also available at selected lounges.

Bidvest Premier operates domestic departure lounges at major airports across South Africa. These include Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, George, East London, Mpumalanga and Bloemfontein.

International departure lounges are available at OR Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.

How Travellers can Access the Lounge

The company has partnerships with several banks, airlines and travel programmes. These include Absa, Investec, Nedbank, Standard Bank, Diners Club and the Collinson Group.

Eligible customers can enter participating lounges through benefits linked to their bank cards or travel programmes. Access depends on the terms of each provider.

Walk-in passengers can also pay for entry, although admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and depends on available space.

Standard walk-in access costs R334 for domestic lounges and R708 for international lounges. Corporate rates start at R300 for domestic departures and R638 for international departures.

Children under two can enter free, while older children are charged the standard walk-in rate.