How to Use Electric Lighter Machines at Indian Airport Smoking Rooms

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Yes, every Indian airport smoking room has a built-in electric lighter machine because lighters and matchboxes are confiscated at security. Four steps to use it: wait for the red light, press the red button, wait up to a minute, then light from the amber coil through the hole on top.

How to Use the Electric Lighter Machine at Indian Airport Smoking Rooms

The Four Steps

Step 1 — Wait for the red light to turn on (most important). When the red indicator light is off, the machine is in standby and pressing the button does nothing. Wait a few seconds for the light to come on.

Step 2 — Press the red button. The red light should go off (most important). That confirms the press registered and the heating coil is now warming up. If the light stays on, press again firmly.

Step 3 — Wait up to a minute, then peek into the cigarette hole. Look down into the small hole on top - you should see an amber-orange glowing coil. Hold your cigarette tip against it for 3 to 5 seconds to light.

Step 4 — Repeat if it does not work. Go back to Step 1 if the coil is not glowing after a minute. Most major airport smoking rooms have 2-3 machines if one is unresponsive.

Skipping Step 1 or 2 is the reason almost every first-time user thinks the machine is broken. Get those two right and it works.

Common Issues

  • Red light never turns on — try a different machine in the same room. DEL T3, BOM T2, BLR T2 CC1 and HYD all have multiple machines per zone.
  • Coil glows but cigarette does not light — press the tip firmly against the coil for at least 3 seconds; a glancing touch does not work.
  • No machine visible — at smaller airports the machine may be behind a small wall flap; look for the red indicator light.

Indian Airports With These Machines

Every post-security smoking room at every major Indian airport has at least one electric lighter machine, including:

See the India country guide for the full list with exact smoking room locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you light a cigarette at an Indian airport smoking room?

Use the wall-mounted electric lighter machine. (1) Wait for the red indicator light to turn on. (2) Press the red button - the red light should go off, showing the heating coil is warming up. (3) Wait up to a minute, then peek into the small hole on top - you will see the amber heating coil glowing. (4) Hold your cigarette tip against the coil for 3 to 5 seconds. Repeat all steps if it does not work.

Why does the airport lighter machine not work?

The most common reason is pressing the red button while the red light is off. The button only activates the heating coil when the red light is on. Wait for the red light first, then press - the light should immediately go off. If still no coil after a minute, repeat the wait-and-press sequence or try a different machine.

How long does the airport electric lighter take to heat up?

Usually 30 to 60 seconds from pressing the red button. Peek into the hole on top after about 45 seconds - the heating coil should glow bright amber-orange. Hold the cigarette tip against it for 3 to 5 seconds.

Are there electric lighter machines at every Indian airport?

Yes. Every post-security smoking room at every major Indian airport has at least one electric lighter machine - Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), Chennai (MAA), Kolkata (CCU), Cochin (COK), Goa (GOI/MGI), Pune (PNQ) and 50 more. Lighters and matchboxes are confiscated at security under the Aircraft Act, so these machines are the only way to light up inside the terminal.