Iberia has opened its new Emerald Lounge Sorolla at Madrid/Barajas Terminal 4, which it’s called its “most exclusive and distinctive experience on the ground”.
Named in tribute to the Spanish painter Joaquín Sorolla, and located just beyond security, it offers 800m2 of floor space and capacity for 128 customers. It’s aimed at short- and medium-haul customers flying from the H,J,K and M gates and welcomes Platinum, Platinum Prime, Infinita, Infinita Prime and Singular customers.
It becomes the airlines third lounge at the terminal, complementing the existing Dalí and Velázquez facilities, and has been designed around four key points “quality, personalised service, Spanish cuisine and wellbeing”. According to the airline the intention is “for the experience to begin from the first contact, with closer, more proactive and personalised attention, capable of anticipating the needs of each client throughout their stay”.
Spanish gastronomy takes centre stage with menus that evolve during the day, from first to last light, featuring a range of breakfast, tapas, Iberian products, Mediterranean inspired dishes, traditional pastries, and Madrid’s traditional violet candies. The 360º bar offers freshly prepared cocktails, a selection of wines, champagne, spirits and premium appetisers, as well as a barista service offering a variety of coffees.
Wellbeing and privacy are two of the factors that have been taken into account in the design with open plan and screened seating both available. The furniture has been designed by Patricia Urquiola with the materials, finishes and furnishings selected to elevate the premium experience, while enhancing the feeling of comfort, warmth and privacy. Private rest cabins are also available, allowing travellers “to isolate themselves and relax before their flight”.
The lounge also teases some of the new features that will “mark the evolution of Iberia’s premium experience and maintains consistency with the new business cabin product that the company will launch in 2027.” This new facility is part of the airlines ambitious €6bn Flight Plan 2030, announced last year – a strategic roadmap that includes an expanded Terminal 4 and the addition of nine Airbus A350-900s.
