Yes, Sharm El Sheikh International Airport (SSH) has designated smoking areas for passengers. There are multiple marked smoking areas airside inside the terminal after security, a smoking room in the 24-hour Pearl Lounge in Terminal 1, and designated outdoor smoking before security.
Sharm El Sheikh International Airport is the main gateway to the South Sinai Red Sea resorts and Egypt’s third-busiest airport, handling large volumes of European and Russian charter and leisure traffic (Russian routes resumed in 2021 after a long suspension). With so many holidaymakers on extended waits, the airport keeps several designated airside smoking areas in use.
Airport Layout
Sharm El Sheikh operates two terminals. Terminal 1, the larger and newer terminal opened in 2007, handles the bulk of international charter and scheduled traffic and has the main retail, lounges and gate areas. Terminal 2 is the older terminal used for overflow, some domestic and additional charter operations. Most passengers transit Terminal 1, where the airside smoking provision is concentrated.
Smoking Areas
Terminal 1
Before security, smoking is permitted only outside the terminal building at the marked entrance areas. After security, Terminal 1 has multiple designated smoking areas within the airside departure zone, so there is usually one within reach of the main gate concourses. The Pearl Lounge (International), located airside in Terminal 1 and open 24 hours, has a dedicated smoking room — a comfortable option on long layovers for eligible or paying passengers.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is the older overflow terminal with more basic facilities. Smoking before security is outside the terminal at the marked entrance area. Airside provision is more limited than Terminal 1, so if you are flying from Terminal 2, take your smoke break outside before clearing security and check for a marked airside area once through.
Outside Terminals
Both terminals have designated outdoor smoking spots outside the buildings near the entrances, for use before security and on arrival. Sharm’s hot, dry desert-coast climate makes outdoor smoking comfortable in the cooler months, but midday heat from May to September is intense, when the airside areas and lounge room are preferable.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (post-security) | Yes | Indoor/airside areas | Multiple marked areas in departure zone |
| Terminal 1 Pearl Lounge | Yes | Indoor room | Airside, 24-hour, dedicated smoking room |
| Terminal 2 (pre-security) | Yes | Outdoor | At terminal entrance; limited airside provision |
| Outside terminals | Yes | Outdoor | Marked entrance areas, both terminals |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines for violations |
For Egypt airport smoking rules, vaping rules, and other general info, see our Egypt smoking guide.