Jazmin Li
Smoking in airports is a controversial topic, with many non-smokers arguing that it poses a public health hazard. As of 2024, most US hub airports are completely smoke-free indoors, and internationally, many airports have also adopted 100% smoke-free policies, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok. However, some airports still provide designated smoking areas, such as special lounges and areas in bars and restaurants. These can be found in airports in Germany, India, Turkey, Portugal, and a few in the US, such as Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.
Can you smoke in an airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Smoking in airports | A public health hazard |
| Smoking on airplanes flying to, from, or within the US | Banned since 2000 |
| Smoking in US airports | Most US airports are completely smoke-free indoors. However, there are still a few US airports that allow smoking, such as Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. |
| Smoking in international airports | Many international airports have designated smoking areas, including airports in Germany, Portugal, India, Turkey, and Canada. |
| Impact of smoking in airports | Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke in airports increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases for airport workers. |
| Smokefree airports | As of 2024, nearly all US hub airports are 100% smokefree indoors, including Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Salt Lake City, JFK, and Newark. Major Asia hubs such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok are also 100% smokefree. |
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What You'll Learn
Smoking lounges at airports
While smoking has gotten a bad rap due to its health hazards, there are still plenty of people who need their cigarettes while travelling. Most airports in the United States are completely smoke-free, but there are still some airports around the world that have smoking lounges. These lounges are usually fitted with smoke extractors and are located in the departures terminals throughout the airport.
Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey, for example, has a smoking area. Smokers can find special lounges, complete with matches and ashtrays, along with designated areas in bars and restaurants.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, India, has smoking lounges located throughout the airport in both the departure and arrival terminals. In Terminal 1, the arrival hall is located next to Belt Five, and departures are between Gates 26 and 27. In Terminal 2, locations include Level 4 retail, Gate 28 (international departures), Level 3 retail, Gate 42, and Gate 47 (domestic departures). There are also additional lounges in the arrivals hall on Level 2, between baggage belts 1 and 2, near Belt 5, and near Belt 12.
One airport in particular has one smoking lounge located in the transit area of Terminal T1. The lounge is spacious, accommodating many passengers at once, and is fitted with smoke extractors. The lounge is well-designed and inviting, providing a comfortable place to relax. There is no charge to enter.
Another airport has 14 smoking lounges in Terminal 1 and 19 in Terminal 2. They are located throughout the airport and on nearly every floor, clearly marked and easily found using airport maps. Smoking outside the passenger terminals is prohibited.
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Airports with smoke-free policies
Smoking has been banned on airplanes flying to, from, or within the United States since 2000. While most airports in the United States are completely smoke-free, some still provide designated smoking areas or lounges. These areas are typically located outdoors, around 20 to 25 feet from the terminal entrances, or after security checkpoints. For example, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas permits smoking.
Outside of the United States, smoking policies vary across different countries and airports. In Europe, four out of the nine busiest airports have implemented smoke-free policies. One example is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), which has designated smoking areas after security checkpoints. In Asia, only four out of the 22 busiest airports have smoke-free policies.
Some airports provide smoking lounges with features such as smoke extractors, matches, and ashtrays. These lounges may be located before or after passport control and can be found in both departure and arrival terminals. For instance, the airport in Mumbai, India, has smoking lounges in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
While designated smoking areas aim to accommodate smokers and reduce secondhand smoke exposure, studies have shown that they can still cause harm to airport employees and travellers. As a result, many airports are transitioning towards smoke-free policies. For example, Salt Lake City International Airport and Denver International Airport in the United States have closed their indoor smoking rooms.
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Countries with airport smoking areas
While smoking is banned on all flights worldwide, some airports still have designated smoking areas. A 2017 report by the CDC found that less than half of the world's biggest airports have a smoke-free policy. Airports with no smoke-free policies include Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson International, Dubai International, Tokyo International, Hong Kong International, and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
United States
Despite most airports in the US being completely smoke-free, there are a few airports where smoking is permitted. Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas has the most areas where smoking is permitted. These include Barney's Lounge (C gates), the Budweiser Racing Track Lounge in the Esplanade Pre-Security area, and gaming lounges at B, C, D, and E Gates. Smoking is also permitted in designated outdoor areas near ticketing and baggage claim areas. Miami International Airport and Nashville International Airport also have indoor smoking areas.
Turkey
Istanbul's Ataturk Airport has smoking lounges located throughout the airport, in both departure and arrival terminals.
India
Mumbai's airport has smoking lounges in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, in both the departure and arrival halls.
Other Countries
Some other countries where smoking areas can be found in airports include the United Kingdom, Germany, Greece, Italy, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
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$5.99
Airports with smoking areas in restaurants
While smoking on airplanes flying to, from, or within the United States has been banned since 2000, and most airports in the country are completely smoke-free, there are still a few US airports that offer designated smoking areas in restaurants.
Denver International Airport
The Smokin' Bear Smoking Lounge is located on the C gates and has a $5 drink minimum to enter.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
A Graycliff Lounge is located near Gate B11, selling cigarettes and cigars, as well as chocolate and coffee. There is a $6 fee that includes a beverage.
Harry Reid International Airport, Las Vegas
Smoking/slot machine areas are abundant at this airport, which is not surprising given its location.
Tampa International Airport
Tampa International Airport has smoking patios at Airside A, C, E, and F, where you can enjoy a cigarette with a fresh breeze.
Washington Dulles International Airport
This airport has lounges located across from gates B37, C2, and D30, with a variety of eat-and-drink options nearby.
Nashville International Airport
For as little as $4, Nashville International Airport offers a smoking experience through its Graycliff Cigar Company, located near gates B-10 and C-10.
Outside of the United States, the following airports also offer smoking areas in restaurants:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, India: Smoking lounges are located in both the departure and arrival terminals. In Terminal 1, the arrival hall next to Belt Five and departures between Gates 26 and 27. In Terminal 2, Level 4 retail, Gate 28 (international departures), Level 3 retail, and Gates 42 and 47 (domestic departures).
- Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey: Designated smoking areas are available, but it is unclear whether these are located within restaurants.
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The health impact of smoking at airports
Smoking is a health hazard, and as of 2024, nearly all U.S. hub airports are completely smoke-free indoors. These include Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Salt Lake City, JFK, and Newark, among others. Washington Dulles in 2023 and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in 2020 were the most recent to implement no-smoking policies. Some airports, like Indianapolis, are also smoke-free outdoors.
Internationally, many airports are now 100% smoke-free, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok. A 2017 study found that 23 of the world's 50 busiest airports have smoke-free indoor policies. However, some airports still provide designated smoking areas, such as special lounges and specific spots outside terminals. These lounges are usually fitted with smoke extractors and are located in the departures terminals.
The presence of smoking areas in airports has sparked debates about the health implications for both airport workers and travellers. Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases for airport workers. Additionally, non-smokers who are exposed to smoke-filled rooms can experience negative health effects, such as inhaling toxic smoke.
While some travellers appreciate the availability of smoking lounges before boarding their flights, others have expressed concerns about the health impact of these spaces. The smoke-filled rooms can cause discomfort and result in a lingering stench on clothing and belongings. It is important to prioritize the health and comfort of all individuals in airports, ensuring that the negative impact of smoking areas does not outweigh the benefits for smokers.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, nearly all US hub airports are 100% smoke-free indoors, including Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Salt Lake City, JFK, and Newark. However, there are still a few US airports that provide designated smoking areas, such as Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Some international airports also have smoking lounges, such as those in Germany, India, Turkey, and Portugal.
Yes, some airports allow smoking in designated outdoor areas, such as Vancouver International Airport, which even permits cannabis consumption in these zones.
Some airports have designated smoking lounges inside their terminals. These lounges are usually fitted with smoke extractors and can be found in the departures area or near the gates. However, it's important to note that smoking is prohibited outside these designated areas within the airport.
