Yes, Marsa Alam International Airport (RMF) has designated smoking areas for passengers. The airport confirms designated smoking provision; the reliably documented option is the outdoor area near the terminal entrance before security, with airside designated areas signposted within the single terminal.
Marsa Alam International Airport is a privately built and operated airport (opened in 2003 under the EMAK/Kharafi Group concession) serving the southern Red Sea Riviera — Marsa Alam, Port Ghalib (about 5 km away) and the diving and resort coast. It handles mostly European and Italian charter and tour-operator traffic into one compact terminal.
Smoking Policy at Marsa Alam 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
Marsa Alam operates a single passenger terminal handling international charter and scheduled flights, with one departures concourse and arrivals hall. Because it is a compact, privately managed terminal, the most reliable smoking option is the designated area near the entrance, with airside provision marked by signage inside.
Smoking Areas
Departures (Airside)
The airport states that designated smoking areas are provided for passengers. Exact airside locations are not publicly documented for this privately operated terminal, so follow the smoking-pictogram signage after security or ask airport staff for the nearest designated area. If in any doubt, take your smoke break before clearing security.
Outside Terminals
The reliably documented option is the designated outdoor smoking area near the terminal entrance, before security, and on the arrivals forecourt. Marsa Alam has a very hot, dry Red Sea desert climate; outdoor smoking is comfortable in the winter season but the midday summer heat from May to September is intense, so seek out the marked airside area then.
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 Marsa Alam Airport, but not in the open terminal areas. Vape stock at this airport is limited, so bring your own supplies.
Tips for Smokers at Marsa Alam Airport
- The dependable spot is the designated outdoor area near the terminal entrance before security
- Airside, follow the smoking-pictogram signage or ask staff — exact locations are not publicly listed
- This is a compact charter terminal; smoke before security if your wait is short
- Charter departures cluster on weekend turnaround days — expect the area to be busy then
- Summer heat is extreme; minimise outdoor time and use any marked airside area in peak months
- Local cigarettes are inexpensive compared with European prices
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal entrance / arrivals | Yes | Outdoor | Designated area; most reliable option |
| Departures (post-security) | Yes | Designated area | Provided per airport; follow signage |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines for violations |