Africa Airport Smoking Areas

Find smoking areas at airports across Africa. South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar and more. Indoor lounges, outdoor areas, and traveler tips.

African airports range from world-class hubs with dedicated indoor smoking lounges to smaller regional airports where you simply step outside. South Africa leads the continent with premium facilities, while most other countries keep it straightforward with outdoor designated areas.

This guide covers smoking areas at airports across Africa, from the major international hubs to smaller regional airports.

Smoking Policies Across Africa

Smoking regulations vary widely across the continent. South Africa has the most developed airport smoking infrastructure, with indoor lounges at its busiest airports. Most of Southern and East Africa designates outdoor areas near terminal buildings. West and North African airports generally follow similar outdoor-only patterns, though signage and enforcement can be inconsistent at smaller airports.

A few things to keep in mind: many African countries have national tobacco control laws that restrict indoor smoking in public places, but airports are treated differently from country to country. Duty-free shops sometimes sell tobacco at significantly lower prices than you’ll find in the terminals.

Best Airports for Smokers in Africa

Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (JNB) is the standout. The Dunhill Lounge offers 360 sqm of dedicated smoking space with comfortable seating. Lounge 27 and the South African Airways Lounge also have smoking sections. For a major international hub, it’s remarkably smoker-friendly.

Cape Town International (CPT) has a Smokers Lounge in the international departures area, plus the Bidvest Lounge with a dedicated smoking section. Outdoor areas are also available near the terminal.

Durban King Shaka (DUR) provides a smoking room within the Bidvest Premier Lounge and several outdoor areas around the terminal.

Windhoek Hosea Kutako (WDH) in Namibia has designated outdoor smoking areas with shelter from the elements.

Browse Airports by Country/Region

Southern Africa

Island Nations

Tips for Smoking at African Airports

  • South African airports offer the best indoor facilities on the continent — if you have a layover at JNB or CPT, you’re well covered
  • At smaller regional airports, ask staff where to go — signage may be limited or only in the local language
  • Allow re-entry time — if you exit the secure zone to smoke, going back through security at African airports can take longer than expected
  • Water and shade — at airports in hot climates (West Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique), outdoor smoking areas may have limited shade. Bring water
  • Tobacco availability — duty-free shops at major African airports sell international and local brands, often at competitive prices

Browse all Africa airports below to find smoking areas at your destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at African airports?

Yes, most African airports allow smoking in designated areas. South African airports like Johannesburg O.R. Tambo and Cape Town offer premium indoor smoking lounges. Elsewhere in Africa, smoking is typically restricted to outdoor areas near terminal exits.

Which African airport has the best smoking facilities?

Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) has the best smoking facilities in Africa. The Dunhill Lounge is a 360 sqm dedicated smoking area, and both Lounge 27 and the SAA Lounge have smoking sections. Cape Town (CPT) also has a Smokers Lounge in the international departures area.

Is smoking allowed inside African airport terminals?

Indoor smoking is available at select South African airports through dedicated lounges. Johannesburg has the Dunhill Lounge and several business lounges with smoking rooms. Durban King Shaka has the Bidvest Premier Lounge with a smoking section. Most other African airports restrict smoking to outdoor areas.

Are e-cigarettes allowed at African airports?

Vaping regulations vary across Africa. South Africa has no specific ban on e-cigarettes, so they’re generally treated like regular cigarettes — use designated smoking areas. In countries like Kenya and Nigeria, vaping regulations are still developing. When in doubt, use the same areas where traditional smoking is permitted.