Welcome to the January 2026 issue of Metropolitan Airport News. As I put away my holiday décor and plan for the New Year, travel for the New Year is, of course, on my mind. While I love the final destination and the adventure that awaits, I also love the trip planning and the actual traveling. Doing the research, planning the itinerary, and making all the plans are all part of the excitement for me.
Once all the plans are finalized and it’s time to travel, I get to experience airports and the amenities they offer as a passenger. You can grab a bite to eat at any one of the excellent concession options in any airport terminal in the world and hang out by the gate, or you can access a lounge for a premier experience that will surely start your vacation off right. I’ve done both. If I’m tight on time, I stay near the gate, of course, but if time allows, you will find me in the lounge!
In this first issue of 2026, Editor-in-Chief Julia Lauria-Blum researched the history of airport lounges and the future of the lounge industry. The experience can be as simple as sitting in a quiet place to take a meeting and enjoy a light snack, or spending the day at a lounge spa with Michelin-starred Chef menus served. It’s the lounge for me!
As we plan our editorial calendar for 2026, we are delighted to bring you updates on critical infrastructure projects, insights from key individuals, fun events for all, community leadership moments, extensive charitable giving opportunities, company spotlights, and so much more.
Please keep in touch with us and let us know what’s going on with your companies and colleagues. Make sure to check our calendar for up-to-date events throughout the Metropolitan New York airports.
Visit our website to register and to check out the steady stream of articles and information for the airport community.
I hope you enjoy the issue, and I will see you around the airports, probably in a lounge!
On This Months Cover
As seen here at JetBlue’s newly opened BlueHouse located at JFK in Terminal 5, airport lounges are evolving into premium, personalized pre-flight sanctuaries. The focus is on enhanced wellness, better technology, and unique local experiences.
