Smoking Areas/Zones/Lounges at India Airports.
भारत के हवाई अड्डों पर धूम्रपान क्षेत्र/लाउंज।
Smoking Regulations at Indian Airports
India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) prohibits smoking in all public places, including airports. However, most major Indian airports provide designated indoor smoking areas or enclosed lounges with ventilation systems. These areas are typically located near food courts, boarding gates, or on separate floors within the terminal.
Airports like Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Bangalore (BLR), Hyderabad (HYD), and Kolkata (CCU) all maintain multiple smoking areas in both domestic and international terminals. Smaller regional airports may have limited or outdoor-only options.
What to Expect at Indian Airports
Designated smoking areas are enclosed rooms with exhaust ventilation. They are clearly signposted, though locations can change during terminal renovations. Most airports have zones accessible after security, so you do not need to exit and re-clear security to smoke.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned in India. The sale, import, and use of e-cigarettes has been illegal since 2019. Do not carry vaping products — they may be confiscated at security.
Best Airports for Smokers in India
- Delhi (DEL) — Multiple smoking areas across Terminal 1, 2, and 3, including both departure and arrival areas
- Mumbai (BOM) — Smoking lounges in domestic and international terminals
- Bangalore (BLR) — Designated smoking areas in the international departures area
Tips for Smokers at Indian Airports
- Look for enclosed smoking lounges near boarding gates and food courts
- Ask airport staff for directions — locations may shift during renovations
- Both domestic and international terminals usually have separate zones
- Do not carry e-cigarettes or vaping devices — they are illegal in India