Smoking at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport – SSH – 2026

Looking for a place to smoke at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport? SSH serves Egypt’s popular South Sinai resort area and has smoking areas available for passengers.

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Outside Terminals

General Information

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

• Indoor smoking area in the departures hall near the gate area
• Outdoor smoking area outside the terminal entrance
• Terminal 1 handles international charter flights from Europe and Russia
• The airport can be very busy during peak resort seasons

Terminal 2

• Outdoor smoking area outside the terminal entrance
• Terminal 2 handles domestic flights and some regional services
• Smaller terminal with basic facilities

Outside Terminals

• Open-air smoking zones at both terminal entrances
• Sharm El Sheikh’s desert climate is hot and dry, making outdoor smoking very warm in summer
• Some shaded spots are available near the terminal buildings

General Information

• The airport serves primarily resort tourists visiting the Red Sea coast
• Flight schedules are seasonal, with peak traffic from October through April
• Smoking regulations are generally relaxed compared to European airports

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 Sharm El Sheikh International Airport

• Sharm El Sheikh Airport has an indoor smoking area in the Terminal 1 departures hall, which is convenient for passengers on international charter flights.
• The airport is busiest during European winter when resort tourism peaks (October-April). Charter flight departures can create long waits at gates.
• Desert temperatures at SSH can exceed 45°C in peak summer. Use indoor smoking areas when available, or keep outdoor breaks very short.
• Egyptian cigarettes are very affordable. Stock up at the airport shops if heading to a resort, as hotel prices may be higher.