Yes — Wi-Fi at Istanbul Airport (IST) is free. Connect to the network named iGA WiFi, then log in with your mobile number (you receive an access code by SMS) or by scanning your passport or ID at one of the kiosks. The official airport announcement describes the service as free and unlimited. This guide covers IST, Istanbul's main airport on the European side — not the smaller Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) on the Asian side.
How to connect, step by step
- Open your device's Wi-Fi settings and select iGA WiFi.
- A sign-in page should open automatically; if not, open a browser and visit any site to trigger it.
- Choose to log in by mobile phone (enter your number and wait for an access code by SMS) or by ID / passport (scan it at one of the airport kiosks to receive a code).
- Enter the code to get online. Turkish Airlines passengers can instead use the separate TK WiFi network, signing in with a phone number or their ticket and seat details.
Key facts at a glance
| Detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Network name | iGA WiFi (all passengers); TK WiFi (Turkish Airlines passengers) |
| Cost | Free |
| Time limit | Officially described as unlimited — verify officially, as some third-party guides report a free window with paid extensions |
| Login | Mobile number (SMS code) or passport / ID scan at a kiosk |
| Where | Terminal areas, before and after security |
| Airport | IST (main airport) — not Sabiha Gokcen / SAW |
Note: the time limit is a perishable detail. Istanbul Airport's own announcement calls the service free and unlimited, but some independent and SIM-vendor guides describe a free period (often cited as around one hour) after which you reconnect or buy a package. Treat the exact limit as unconfirmed and verify officially before you rely on it for a long session.
Watch out for fake networks
Connect only to iGA WiFi (or TK WiFi if you fly Turkish Airlines). Treat look-alike names — especially any promising "unlimited free" access from an unknown provider — with caution. On any public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into banking or entering card details unless the site is secured (https), and consider a VPN for sensitive tasks. You may be asked for a mobile number or passport scan to log in, which is normal for the official network.
Best for whom
- Short layovers: connect once with your phone number and message ahead or check your gate.
- Remote workers on a long transit: usable for email and browsing; if you need guaranteed connectivity for video calls or large uploads, a Turkish eSIM or roaming plan is more dependable, especially given the uncertainty over any free-access window.
- Arrivals without a local SIM: the passport-scan kiosk login is handy if you have no phone number that can receive a Turkish SMS.
Wi-Fi setup, network names and any time limits can change. Confirm the latest on the official airport site before you rely on it: Istanbul Airport (iGA) official site. See also our Istanbul Airport transfers guide and Istanbul Airport lounges guide. Last reviewed: June 2026.
