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One of the best third-party contract lounges in the world (and accessible to Priority Pass holders), the iGA Lounge at Istanbul is a behemoth. Accepting premium business class, first class and elite status holders for all the full-service airlines at Istanbul Airport that aren’t Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance, as well as all the lounge schemes, this gigantic 55,000 sqft 600-person lounge is busy. At the time of my visit around 5pm on a Sunday, the lounge was bordering on full.
The sheer size of this lounge is massive, yet clever partitioning makes the individual areas feel small and private. Rather fitting for this insanely large airport.
With clever thoughtful amenities, extensive dining options including hot food stations, coffee, Turkish tea and refreshment centres placed around the lounge, there is something for every type of traveller.
This is Forward of the Wing’s 2025 review of the iGA Lounge Istanbul.
Where is the iGA Lounge located?
The iGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport is located towards the A and B gates at Istanbul Airport. Once through security, head left, past duty free and look out for the up escalators on the left. The escalators are next to Ralph Lauren. I have to admit the signposting is quite small, so I did get lost.
You can also follow directions for the Ambassador Spa Istanbul Airport or Recharge Cabins by YotelAir – the entrances to these are next to the iGA Lounge entrance.
Once up the escalators, the lounge entrance is on the right.
Note, if you are departing from the A or B gates, your gate is a 10-15 minute walk from the gate so allow enough time to reach your gate before boarding. I can’t emphasise how massive this terminal is.
Do note, the lounge entrance has a dedicated airline business class, first class and elite status holder line, and lounge scheme line (Priority Pass etc.), so that passengers who get access through their airline get priority access to this lounge.
I was also made aware that British Airways have integrated access to this lounge with their boarding passes, so you can skip the queue all together simply by scanning your boarding pass at the lounge entry gate. A nice touch and something to remember for next time!
Opening Hours
As the only airport lounge at Istanbul Airport for non-Turkish Airlines passengers, the iGA Lounge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Istanbul Airport can have some long overnight connections, so if you do have access to the iGA lounge, it can be a good option to try and get some shut-eye overnight. The lounge has lockers – I would be cautious with sitting next to or sleeping next to your luggage anywhere in the terminal. If you wanted a more horizontal option for a long layover, it might be better to book the YotelAir (expensive), Recharge Cabins by YotelAir (less expensive) or iGA Sleep Pods (cheaper).
My flight into Istanbul arrived super late, around 1am, well before the first metro, so I opted to book a cheaper nearby airport hotel instead of camping out at the iGA Sleep Pods or Lounge. But I do think if you are connecting onto another flight, if you do have access to the iGA Lounge, this could be a very good option.
iGA Lounge Istanbul Cool Features
There are some really cool features about this lounge, which help pass the time of an extended layover.
Duty Free Shop
Firstly, there is a duty free shop located near the entrance of the lounge, perfect for some last minute shopping before running to your gate. Duty free here has the same prices as found in the main duty free shop, but just a more curated collection.
Opposite lounge duty free, there is an “Invest in Turkey” AI assistant. Didn’t have a need to use this, but it exists.
iGA Lounge Istanbul Airport Lobby
The first lobby of the lounge features a grand piano. I’m unsure if and when this ever gets used, but please let me know below in the comments if you have visited this lounge when there was a pianist at the time of your visit.
Pool Table and Complimentary Massages
Towards the lounge bar, there is a pool table, which is a fun way to pass some time. Located next to it is a massage area, where you can get a complimentary massage (albeit in the view of other passengers). Massages are available from 8am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday (so I assume these are the off-peak times for this lounge). There is just an armchair in this area, so I believe only Head and Shoulder massages are available.
Smoker’s Terrace
This area also has an outdoor covered terrace for smoking (and at other times, getting some fresh air). The terrace looks back towards landside, so unfortunately, no planespotting.
Sunken Bar and iGA Business Lounge
Lastly, beyond the dining area, on the far right is a sunken bar with a view over the terminal, and around the corner, a super private “business” lounge called the iGA Business Lounge, although this area is open to all passengers. The space features private areas, perfect for getting some work done but also just relaxing. As the area is hidden, it was actually really quiet during my visit, which was a huge contrast to the rest of this very, very busy lounge. Unfortunately, it is tucked quite far away from the main bar and dining area, but there is a refreshment station located in this area.
Seating Options
With space for over 600 passengers, there are plenty of seating options for all types of passengers, whether solo, a couple, families, groups, or colleagues. The dining area features table seating, with banquette couches with side tables located on either side of the main core. There are also workstations with power outlets available, bar seating, outdoor terrace seating, and low armchairs for relaxing.
What I like most about the iGA Lounge is that, despite its massive size, clever partitioning and sunken and elevated areas make the lounge feel incredibly private, even when it’s busy.
Cleanliness
Due to the high volume of passengers through this lounge (and the fact that it was almost full), there were numerous empty plates and dirty cutlery scattered throughout the lounge. There were obviously staff walking around cleaning up, but definitely too few for what may (or may not) have been peak hours. Not only was it difficult to find somewhere to sit, but it was also difficult to find a seat that wasn’t piled high with dirty dishes from a previous passenger.
Buffet Food Options
Given the number of passengers and size of this lounge, there was an extensive buffet selection available in the central dining area, showcasing classic Turkish cuisine. There are two buffet stations, both the same. On one side are savoury options (salads and Turkish meze), and the other side has sweets and desserts including Baklava.
A fairly broad menu is available with plenty of options. It would have been better to have stronger food labelling with allergen information, given the number of passengers who will visit this lounge with vegetarian, halal, kosher, gluten or vegan dietary restrictions.
Additionally, there are smaller snack and refreshment stations located around the lounge, with a selection of snacks and sweets, and fridges stocked with non-alcoholic beverages.
Hot Food Options
There are also three hot food stations located on either side of the dining area of the lounge. There were queues, but these moved quickly and efficiently.
The main hot food station had a selection of hot food options served by a staff member. On offer today was:
- White bean stew (vegan)
- Rice (vegan)
- Chicken stew
- Minced beef stew
- Falafel (told this had egg in it)
- Chicken Soup
- Tomato Soup
The next hot food station was a made-to-order pide station. A great Turkish touch.
The last station on the other side of the lounge served grilled marinated chicken.
It would be nice to see more vegan and vegetarian options at this lounge (as white beans and rice is quite basic) but in all, this selection is fine and caters for most passengers.
iGA Lounge Bar and Non-Alcoholic Selection
As this lounge is accessible to lounge schemes as well as premium passengers and frequent fliers, the bar selection at the iGA Lounge is bottom-shelf. There was no menu available, but this is what I could see available at the time of my visit:
- White/Red/Rosé Wine
- Smirnoff Vodka
- Gordons Gin
- Bells Whisky
- Johnnie Walker Red Label
- Efes Beer (on tap)
There may have been more available, but this was all I was able to see. No cocktails were available, just beer, wine and spirits with mixers.
There are also a selection of soft drinks available at a variety of refreshment stations around the iGA Lounge including Lemon and Peach Fuze Iced Tea, Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coke No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta and Still and Sparkling Water. The dining area also featured a “Berry Sherbet” juice and the bars also had apple, cranberry and pineapple juice. There was also Yedigün, which is the Turkish version of the orange soft drink, Miranda. Ayran, the Turkish yoghurt drink, is also available.
Dotted around the lounge, there are also Turkish Tea and Coffee (Espresso) stations.
If you are flying in Premium Economy, Business Class or First, I would recommend holding out until you get onboard for better quality alcoholic beverages.
Bathrooms and Showers
The bathrooms in this lounge are absolutely stunning. Decked out in dark Mahogony, the bathrooms are gorgeous. They were clean and private. It’s nice that you don’t need to leave the lounge to go to the bathroom.
There are also showers available for free, perfect for freshening up if you have a long layover or overnight layover.
Kids Play Area
Also located within the lounge is a kids play area, which is a welcome relief for families travelling with young kids on long journeys.
Access Requirements for the iGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport
As the only non-Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, the access requirements for the iGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport are fairly broad, and day passes are available. The iGA Lounge is accessible to the following passengers:
- First and Business Class passengers on most non-Star Alliance airlines
- Skyteam Elite Plus passengers
- Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald passengers
- Passengers with membership to the following lounge schemes:
- Priority Pass
- Dragon Pass
- High Pass
- Lounge Me
- iGA Pass Card (Daily or Annual)
- Day passes are available for purchase at the entrance for 110 euros per person (as of 2025).
Do note there is a maximum stay of 6 hours for day passes and 3 hours for Priority Pass and Dragon Pass passengers.
Conclusion: iGA Lounge at Istanbul is possibly the Best Contract Airport Lounge in the World
I have held Priority Pass for several years, so have visited many Priority Pass Lounges all over the world, and in my opinion, this is one of the best. Yes, the bar selection and food selection could do with some work, but it’s not terrible for the average traveller. The design of the iGA Lounge Istanbul is stunning, and the unique features make this lounge well worth a visit.
Judging by the hours that massages are available, off-peak in this lounge is Tuesday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm, so that might be the best time to visit.
Have you visited this lounge overnight? Is it busy? Let me know in the comments.