Yes, Aswan International Airport (ASW) has designated smoking areas for passengers. There are clearly marked outdoor smoking areas in front of the terminal, some designated areas inside the building, and a smoking area in the Pearl Lounge on both the domestic and international sides.
Aswan International Airport serves Upper Egypt’s southern tourist circuit — Abu Simbel, Philae, the High Dam and the Nile cruise routes between Aswan and Luxor. It handles domestic EgyptAir traffic plus seasonal international and charter flights, with the strongest peaks in the cooler tourist months.
Smoking Policy at Aswan Airport
Egypt’s Law No. 52/1981, amended by Law No. 85/2002, restricts smoking in enclosed public spaces, but airport facilities fall under the Civil Aviation Authority, which requires designated smoking areas. Egypt permits some indoor smoking areas in airport terminals. Smoking outside the marked areas is prohibited and can draw fines of roughly EGP 50 to EGP 500.
Airport Layout
Aswan operates a single passenger terminal handling domestic and international flights, with separate processing for domestic and international passengers on the same level. Because traffic moves through one compact terminal, smoking provision is split between the marked area in front of the building and the airside lounges.
Smoking Areas
Departures (Airside)
There are some designated smoking areas inside the terminal after security. The Pearl Lounge has a smoking area, with separate lounges depending on your flight: one on the landside at level 1 after X-ray screening for domestic flights only, and another in the public area on level 1 past the check-in counters for international flights only. The lounge smoking area is the more comfortable option on a longer wait.
Outside Terminals
The primary option is the clearly marked designated smoking area in front of the terminal, before security, fitted with ashtrays. The same applies on the arrivals forecourt. Aswan has one of the hottest, driest climates in Egypt — outdoor smoking is comfortable in winter but the marked indoor and lounge areas are preferable in the intense summer heat.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes are legal in Egypt and widely available. They may be used in the same designated smoking areas as conventional cigarettes at Aswan Airport, but not in the open terminal areas. Vape stock at this airport is limited, so bring your own supplies.
Tips for Smokers at Aswan Airport
- The reliable spot before security is the marked area directly in front of the terminal
- The Pearl Lounge smoking area differs by flight type — domestic is landside level 1 after X-ray, international is past check-in on level 1
- Look for the smoking pictogram signage rather than asking general staff for directions
- Abu Simbel connecting flights are early-morning — the areas are busiest at dawn
- Aswan summer heat is extreme; favour the indoor and lounge areas from May to September
- Local cigarettes are inexpensive; carry small change for the area attendants where present
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| In front of terminal | Yes | Outdoor | Clearly marked; before security and arrivals |
| Departures (post-security) | Yes | Indoor areas | Some designated areas in the terminal |
| Pearl Lounge | Yes | Indoor area | Domestic landside / international past check-in |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines for violations |