Passengers flying with British Airways in its premium cabins are set to benefit from free wireless internet access at the airline's UK airport lounges.

The carrier has struck a three-year deal with BT Openzone to offer free Wi-Fi across all 25 of its lounges in the UK from April 1st. This includes those at the newly opened Heathrow Terminal 5.

Emily Clark, lounges development manager for British Airways, said that the ability to both work and relax at airport lounges was "integral" for the carrier's business class customers, with Chris Bruce of BT Openzone adding that Wi-Fi is "essential" for this purpose.

"The explosion in Wi-Fi-enabled devices is accelerating this trend and the British Airways service means that passengers can use their time productively before boarding their flights," he added, according to Business Travel World.

Recent research by technology firm iPass revealed that 45 per cent of all Wi-Fi sessions take place in airports.

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