SAA and Discovery unveil a reimagined ‘The Lounge’ experience in Cape Town

South African Airways (SAA) and Discovery are delighted to announce the official unveiling of their newly refurbished domestic departures lounge at Cape Town International Airport which will open on Friday, 22 August.
South African Airways (SAA) and Discovery are delighted to announce the official unveiling of their newly refurbished domestic departures lounge at Cape Town International Airport, which will open on Friday, 22 August. This milestone marks the third transformation in the rollout of the elevated The Lounge concept, following the successful redesign on the international departures lounge at OR Tambo International and the domestic departures lounge at Chief Dawid Stuurman International airports.
The lounge has undergone extensive renovations. The result is a sophisticated, spacious environment that caters to the evolving needs of today’s traveller, with increased capacity and a host of premium amenities.
Guests can expect a seamless blend of comfort and functionality, with thoughtfully designed dining areas, collaborative workspaces, private focus booths, and a variety of seating options to suit every preference. The culinary offering has been significantly enhanced, featuring an expanded menu, full-service bars, and refined dining facilities that create an inspiring, relaxing and indulgent pre-flight experience.
Highlights of the new lounge include:
• Copper-clad concierge desks offering a warm, personalised welcome
• A mixology show-bar with expert baristas and bartenders
• Buffet-style dining with gourmet breakfasts, all-day meals, and crafted canapés
• Private focus booths ideal for work, entertainment, or calls
• Universal charging ports and high-speed WiFi throughout the space
A shared vision for elevated travel
Professor John Lamola, SAA Group Chief Executive, says, “Our commitment to placing customers first begins the moment they arrive at the airport. This beautifully refurbished lounge is a sanctuary of comfort, delicious food, and exceptional service, an embodiment of the standards and aspirations of our flagship carrier.”
“This new Cape Town Lounge is a perfect example of how we bring our core purpose to life for our members,” says Dinesh Govender, CEO of Vitality. “Every detail—from the bespoke design to the curated food and beverage selection—has been carefully considered by our brand experience team to deliver a seamless, rewarding journey that adds real value for our clients.”
Unlock lounge access with Discovery
All Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members enjoy access to the Vitality Travel platform and its suite of travel benefits, including discounted flights. Discovery Bank Black and Purple cardholders receive additional perks, such as exclusive access to Discovery Priority Fast Track at both OR Tambo and Cape Town International airports.
Access to The Lounge is easily managed via the Discovery Bank app, where members can generate a digital voucher for entry.
SAA and Discovery invite eligible travellers to experience this new benchmark in premium airport hospitality.