Smoking at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) – ATH – 2026

Looking for a place to smoke at Athens International Airport? ATH is Greece’s largest airport and strictly enforces the indoor smoking ban. Designated outdoor areas are available.

Main Terminal Building

Extra Schengen Area (After Security)

Intra Schengen and Non-Schengen Gates

Outside Terminal

Greece banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces under Law 3868/2010, which took effect in September 2010. This law applies to all airports, restaurants, bars, and workplaces throughout the country. Fines for individuals caught smoking indoors range from €50 to €500, while businesses that allow smoking can be fined up to €10,000. Despite Greece having one of Europe’s highest smoking rates (approximately 25% of adults), airports strictly enforce the ban with security and police monitoring. All Greek airports have designated outdoor smoking areas. E-cigarettes are treated the same as conventional cigarettes and are banned in all enclosed public spaces, though enforcement of vaping restrictions is less consistent than for traditional cigarettes.

Main Terminal Building

• Outdoor smoking areas on the departures level (Level 2) outside the main entrance
• Additional outdoor area on the arrivals level (Level 0) near the exit doors
• The outdoor terrace between the main terminal and the short-term parking structure is a popular smoking spot
• No indoor smoking rooms anywhere in the main terminal

Extra Schengen Area (After Security)

• No post-security smoking access for Schengen flights
• The gate areas are entirely smoke-free
• To smoke, you must exit the secure zone and go outside

Intra Schengen and Non-Schengen Gates

• No post-security smoking access in any concourse
• The satellite terminal (accessible via underground walkway) also has no smoking facilities

Outside Terminal

• Clearly marked outdoor smoking zones with ashtrays and bins
• The area near the taxi rank on Level 0 provides easy access for arriving passengers

Greece Smoking Regulations

Greece banned smoking in all enclosed public spaces under Law 3868/2010, which took effect in September 2010. This law applies to all airports, restaurants, bars, and workplaces throughout the country. Fines for individuals caught smoking indoors range from €50 to €500, while businesses that allow smoking can be fined up to €10,000. Despite Greece having one of Europe’s highest smoking rates (approximately 25% of adults), airports strictly enforce the ban with security and police monitoring. All Greek airports have designated outdoor smoking areas. E-cigarettes are treated the same as conventional cigarettes and are banned in all enclosed public spaces, though enforcement of vaping restrictions is less consistent than for traditional cigarettes.

Tips for Smokers at Athens International Airport

• Athens Airport has no indoor smoking rooms. The outdoor area on the departures level (Level 2) is the most convenient for departing passengers at ATH.
• Greece is warm for most of the year, so outdoor smoking at Athens Airport is comfortable from April through October. Winter months are mild compared to northern Europe.
• Security re-screening at ATH typically takes 15-25 minutes. Budget 30-40 minutes for a full smoke break round trip during a layover.
• Despite Greece’s high smoking rate, the airport ban is strictly enforced. Do not attempt to smoke in restrooms or stairwells as security cameras are monitored.