Smoking at Cairo International Airport – CAI – 2026

Looking for a place to smoke at Cairo International Airport? CAI is Africa’s second-busiest airport and one of the more smoker-friendly airports in the region, with indoor smoking rooms available in multiple terminals.

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Outside Terminals

Egypt’s Law No. 52/1981, amended by Law No. 85/2002, bans smoking in certain public enclosed spaces including government buildings, healthcare facilities, and public transport. Airport regulations fall under the Civil Aviation Authority, which requires designated smoking areas. Unlike many European countries, Egypt allows some indoor smoking rooms at airports, particularly in newer terminals. Cairo International Airport has indoor smoking rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, making it one of the more accommodating airports in the region for smokers. Fines for smoking in prohibited areas range from EGP 50 to EGP 500. E-cigarettes are legal in Egypt and widely available, with no specific restrictions beyond those applying to conventional cigarettes. Egypt has a high adult smoking rate (approximately 22% of the population), and tobacco culture is generally more accepted than in Europe.

Terminal 1

• Outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal entrance on the departures level
• Terminal 1 is the oldest terminal and handles some domestic and regional flights
• Limited indoor facilities compared to newer terminals

Terminal 2

• Indoor smoking room available in the departures area after security
• The smoking room is located near the gate area on the upper level
• Additional outdoor smoking areas outside the terminal entrance
• Terminal 2 handles EgyptAir domestic flights and some international services

Terminal 3

• Indoor smoking rooms available after security in the international departures area
• The smoking room near the main duty-free area is the most popular
• Outdoor areas also available outside the terminal entrance on the departures level
• Terminal 3 is the newest and largest terminal, handling EgyptAir international flights and Star Alliance partners

Outside Terminals

• Designated outdoor areas at all three terminal entrances
• The areas near taxi ranks and bus stops on the arrivals levels are commonly used
• Cairo’s warm, dry climate makes outdoor smoking comfortable year-round

Egypt Smoking Regulations

Egypt’s Law No. 52/1981, amended by Law No. 85/2002, bans smoking in certain public enclosed spaces including government buildings, healthcare facilities, and public transport. Airport regulations fall under the Civil Aviation Authority, which requires designated smoking areas. Unlike many European countries, Egypt allows some indoor smoking rooms at airports, particularly in newer terminals. Cairo International Airport has indoor smoking rooms in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, making it one of the more accommodating airports in the region for smokers. Fines for smoking in prohibited areas range from EGP 50 to EGP 500. E-cigarettes are legal in Egypt and widely available, with no specific restrictions beyond those applying to conventional cigarettes. Egypt has a high adult smoking rate (approximately 22% of the population), and tobacco culture is generally more accepted than in Europe.

Tips for Smokers at Cairo International Airport

• Cairo Airport’s Terminal 3 has indoor smoking rooms after security, making it one of the best airports in the region for smokers during layovers. Check the location near the duty-free shops.
• Terminal 2 also has post-security indoor smoking access. If your flight departs from Terminal 2, look for the smoking room near the gate area on the upper level.
• Cairo’s climate is hot and dry, especially from May through September. If using outdoor areas, the terminal entrances provide some shade.
• Cigarettes are inexpensive in Egypt compared to European prices. Local brands like Cleopatra are widely available at airport shops.