Yes, Alexandria Borg El Arab International Airport (HBE) has designated smoking areas for passengers. The reliable option is the designated outdoor area near the terminal entrance before security, with a smoking area also provided in the VIP lounge on the upper departures floor.
Borg El Arab International Airport is Alexandria’s main commercial airport, about 40 km southwest of the city. It took over as the city’s primary gateway after the older El Nozha (Alexandria) Airport closed for redevelopment, and it handles EgyptAir domestic, regional and international scheduled and charter traffic in a single distinctive boat-shaped terminal.
Smoking Policy at Borg El Arab 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, particularly within lounge facilities. Smoking outside the marked areas is prohibited and can draw fines of roughly EGP 50 to EGP 500.
Airport Layout
Borg El Arab has a single passenger terminal built in the shape of a boat, with three floors. The third floor houses domestic and international departures, immigration and the VIP area; lower floors handle arrivals and processing. Because all traffic moves through one terminal, smoking provision centres on the marked entrance area and the VIP lounge.
Smoking Areas
Departures (Airside)
A smoking area is provided within the VIP lounge facilities on the upper departures floor, which is the documented airside option and a comfortable choice for eligible or paying passengers. A general public airside smoking room is not publicly documented at this terminal, so if you are not using the VIP lounge, take your smoke break before clearing security and check airside signage.
Outside Terminals
The reliably documented option is the designated outdoor smoking area near the terminal entrance, before security, and on the arrivals forecourt, fitted with ashtrays. Alexandria’s Mediterranean climate is milder than Upper Egypt — outdoor smoking is comfortable for most of the year, with hot but less extreme summers than the Red Sea airports.
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 Borg El Arab Airport, but not in the open terminal areas. Vape stock at this airport is limited, so bring your own supplies.
Tips for Smokers at Borg El Arab Airport
- The dependable spot is the designated outdoor area near the terminal entrance before security
- Airside, the VIP lounge on the third floor has the documented smoking area — useful on longer waits
- A general public airside smoking room is not publicly listed, so do not rely on one after security
- The terminal is compact; smoke before security if your connection is tight
- Alexandria’s milder Mediterranean climate makes the outdoor area comfortable most of the year
- Local cigarettes are inexpensive compared with European prices
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal entrance / arrivals | Yes | Outdoor | Designated area; most reliable option |
| VIP lounge (3rd floor departures) | Yes | Indoor area | Documented airside smoking option |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines for violations |