Yes, you can smoke at Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport (ALG) at the designated outdoor areas just outside the terminal entrances. These spots are landside, before security, so step outside the building whenever you need a cigarette before checking in.
Algiers Houari Boumediene Airport is operated by EGSA Alger and serves the Algerian capital through three passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the newer Terminal 4. Smoking indoors is not permitted under Algeria’s public-places smoking rules (Law No. 18-11), so the reliable places to light up are the forecourt and pavement areas outside each terminal.
Terminal 4 (International)
Terminal 4 opened on 29 April 2019 as the airport’s flagship international terminal, with 120 check-in points and A380-capable gates. It handles most long-haul and European departures. There is no officially designated smoking room inside Terminal 4 or after security; smokers use the outdoor areas by the departure and arrival kerbs before entering. Some travellers report that cafés in the airside departure area tolerate smoking; this is an informal practice rather than a marked facility, and it can change without notice.
Terminal 1 (Domestic & Gulf Carriers)
Terminal 1 is split into two halls: Hall 1 serves domestic flights and Hall 2 is dedicated to Middle East and Gulf carriers. As with Terminal 4, there is no confirmed indoor or airside smoking area — the designated spots are outside the terminal doors, landside. Finish your cigarette before you clear the security checkpoint.
Terminal 2 (Charter & Domestic)
Terminal 2, renovated in 2007, handles domestic, charter, and pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah) flights and has a cafeteria and tearoom. Smoking here follows the same pattern: use the outdoor areas outside the entrance, landside before security.
After Security (Transit & Connections)
If you are connecting or already airside, there is no officially marked smoking lounge at any terminal. Passengers on longer layovers who want a guaranteed smoke should plan to do so at the outdoor areas before passing through security, since re-entering landside after screening means clearing the checkpoint again. Smoking is culturally common in Algeria and airside enforcement is often relaxed; even so, the only reliable and sanctioned option remains the outdoor areas outside the terminals.
Vaping
Vaping is legal in Algeria, and devices and e-liquids are sold locally. E-cigarettes fall under the same public-places restrictions as tobacco under Law No. 18-11, so vape outdoors in the same designated areas rather than inside the terminals.
Summary
| Location | Smoking Allowed |
|---|---|
| Outdoor areas outside terminals (landside) | Yes |
| Terminal 1, 2 and 4 indoor areas | No |
| After security (airside) | No official area |
For Algeria’s airport smoking rules and full vaping law, see our Algeria airport smoking guide.