Yes, Brasília International Airport (BSB) lets you smoke outdoors at the terminal curbs on both the departures and arrivals levels. Every smoking spot here is in the open air and landside, before security; Brazil’s federal anti-smoking law (Lei 12.546/2011) bans lighting up in any enclosed public space, so the terminal itself is entirely smoke-free.
Presidente Juscelino Kubitschek International Airport is the capital’s gateway and one of Brazil’s busiest hubs by aircraft movements, sitting roughly in the geographic centre of the country — which makes it a major domestic connecting point. Passengers use a single main terminal, with boarding split between the North and South concourses (Píer Norte and Píer Sul); the South pier handles international departures and arrivals.
Where to Smoke (Landside)
Smoking at BSB is an outdoor, kerbside option. Both public levels of the terminal have open-air frontage where you can light up:
- Departures (upper) level — at the kerbside outside the check-in hall, along the drop-off lanes. Step a few metres away from the sliding doors and stand in the marked area.
- Arrivals (lower) level — in the open air by the exit doors, near the pick-up zone and the taxi and ride-hail ranks.
Neither spot is a built shelter or a designated “fumódromo” — they are simply the sections of covered kerb where smoking is tolerated away from the entrances. Follow any posted signage, keep clear of doorways and air intakes, and use the bins provided.
After Security (Airside)
There is no airside smoking area and no enclosed smoking lounge anywhere at BSB. The Píer Norte and Píer Sul boarding concourses have no outdoor terrace, balcony, or ventilated room past the screening checkpoint. Once you clear security there is nowhere to smoke until you leave the sterile area, so finish your cigarette at the kerb before you go through.
Connecting Flights
BSB is one of Brazil’s principal domestic connecting airports, and a layover here can run several hours. To smoke between flights you must leave the secure area, walk out to the landside curb, smoke, and then re-clear security and (for international departures) any exit formalities before returning to your gate. Build in extra time, especially on the international Píer Sul side where re-screening queues are longer. If your onward routing takes you through Rio de Janeiro, the layout is similar — see our guide to smoking at Rio de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG).
Vaping
Vaping at BSB follows the same rules as cigarettes: never indoors or airside, only in the outdoor landside areas. Brazil’s health regulator ANVISA bans the sale, import, and advertising of e-cigarettes nationwide, so you will not find vapes on sale anywhere in the country; carrying a device for personal use is not treated as a criminal offence. Use the same kerbside spots as smokers and keep it out of the terminal.
Summary
| Area | Smoking allowed? |
|---|---|
| Indoors (terminal) | No |
| After security (airside) | No |
| Outdoor curbs (landside) | Yes |
Good to Know
- Brasília’s dry, sunny Central Plateau climate keeps the outdoor curbs comfortable for most of the year
- The airport is about 11 km from the city centre, roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi or bus
- Give yourself a wide margin if you plan to step out and smoke during a connection — re-screening can be slow
For Brazil’s airport smoking rules and the national vaping law, see our Brazil airport smoking guide.