Chennai Airport to Launch Free Wi-Fi Access for International Travellers Without Indian SIMs
Chennai International Airport is set to provide free Wi-Fi access to international passengers who do not possess Indian SIM cards.
The new service, expected to be operational by the end of June, will be made available through dedicated self-service kiosks installed in the arrival and departure halls of the airport’s T2 International Terminal. Currently, non-resident travellers face difficulties accessing airport Wi-Fi due to mandatory OTP-based verification linked to Indian mobile numbers. To overcome this hurdle, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), in partnership with Arche Global and BSNL, will offer an alternative verification method using passport and boarding pass scans.
Eligible passengers will be able to scan these documents at the kiosk to receive a printed coupon with a one-time password (OTP). This will provide 500 MB of data valid for 45 minutes—enabling them to make urgent calls, access online maps, or book transport services upon arrival. Initially, two kiosks will be deployed, with plans to expand the number based on passenger demand. Airport authorities confirmed that signage will be prominently displayed to guide arriving travellers to the new facility.
The initiative aims to enhance Chennai Airport’s digital infrastructure and improve passenger convenience, particularly for tourists and business travellers who often arrive without local mobile connectivity.
