Cathay Pacific converts The Deck into a First Class lounge

Cathay Pacific is embarking on a complete overhaul of its flagship The Wing Lounge in Hong Kong, with both the First and Business Class sections being renovated over the next couple of years.

The First Class section will be the first to undergo the knife, closing its doors from 23 May 2025 with a projected reopening in 2026. This closure will necessitate the creation of alternative First Class lounge space, since The Pier (First) is a long walk away on the opposite side of the airport. 

We’ve already seen Cathay Pacific reopening The Bridge (located at Gates 35-36) with a separate First Class section — despite supposedly having been “permanently closed” during the pandemic — and now The Deck (located at Gate 6) has been transformed into a dedicated First Class lounge. 

The Deck Lounge is now a First Class lounge

Cathay Pacific’s The Deck Lounge is now operating as a oneworld First Class lounge, hosting up to 180 guests across 9,000 square feet. 

The lounge can be found near Gate 6, next door to the Qantas Lounge. Opening hours are from 5.30 a.m to 12.30 a.m daily, and access is available to the following passengers:

• First Class passengers departing on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight
• Cathay Diamond and oneworld Emerald members departing on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight in any cabin
• First Class passengers arriving on a Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight with a duration >5 hours and connecting to a same-day (or following day before 6 a.m) Cathay Pacific or oneworld flight in any cabin (retain your boarding pass from the inbound flight to gain access)

Cathay Diamond members are permitted to bring in two guests, while First Class and oneworld Emerald members may bring one guest. All guests must be travelling on a oneworld-operated flight.

The Deck opened in 2018, taking over the space formerly occupied by the Dragonair G16 lounge. The lounge then closed during the pandemic and only resumed operations in 2023.

Lounge Review: The Deck, Cathay Pacific’s new Hong Kong lounge

The lounge offers a wraparound terrace that overlooks the departure gates at the northern end of the terminal (hence the name), and offers eight shower suites with attached toilets.

The F&B selection has also been upgraded to match its new First Class designation. Just like at The Pier, guests at The Deck can expect a menu featuring items from Mott 32, a Hong Kong fine-dining institution. Think Sichuan-style dumplings, crispy black cod, braised wagyu beef cheeks and pan fried prawns, paired with hand-crafted cocktails and of course, champagne.

Of course, if you have the time I’d highly recommend checking out The Pier as well, which boasts other features like day rooms with tarmac views and a (perpetually-full) spa.

When will The Wing (First) return?

The Wing (First) is currently penciled in for a mid-2026 return, and will feature an updated interior more in line with the homely, residential vibe of The Pier.

It’s way overdue in my opinion, because the current décor is…well, there’s something about it that screams turn-of-the-century. I can’t stop thinking about Morpheus in his red leather chair when he explains The Matrix to Neo.

Still, one hopes the cabana suites will survive the makeover, as they’re without a doubt one of the coolest features I’ve ever seen in an airport lounge.

What’s the lounge situation at Hong Kong now?

With the closure of The Wing (First), Cathay Pacific will continue to operate five lounges at Hong Kong Airport:

• The Pier, First (First Class only)
• The Pier, Business
• The Bridge
• The Deck (First Class only)
• The Wing, Business

While Business Class passengers will no longer have access to The Deck, they will be able to continue visiting The Pier, The Bridge and The Wing, not to mention the Qantas Lounge too (though it’s surprising how many people don’t know this).

Conclusion

Cathay Pacific has redesignated The Deck as a First Class lounge, following the closure of The Wing (First) for renovations.

The airline has lined up these adjustments rather nicely as The Deck, together with the First Class section of The Bridge, will provide some much-needed space for First Class and oneworld Emerald passengers while The Wing completes its makeover.