Kannur International Airport is Kerala’s newest airport, opened in December 2018 as the first in India developed under a PPP model by a local body. Located in the North Malabar region, CNN primarily serves Gulf-bound routes — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Muscat are among its busiest destinations, catering to the large Malayali expatriate community in the Middle East. For smokers, the situation at Kannur is currently frustrating: the one indoor smoking spot that existed has reportedly been shut down.
Inside Terminals
Kannur Airport previously had a smoking cabin near Gate 1 in the international departures area. This was a small enclosed space available after security screening — convenient for passengers waiting to board Gulf flights. However, according to recent traveler feedback, this smoking cabin has been closed. As of early 2026, there is no confirmed working indoor smoking room at CNN.
It is worth checking with airport staff when you arrive, as closures at Indian airports can sometimes be temporary — driven by maintenance, policy reviews, or terminal reorganization. But do not rely on finding an indoor option. The airport is still relatively new and evolving its facilities, so there is a chance a replacement smoking area could appear in the future.
On the domestic side, there are no reports of any indoor smoking facility either.
Outside Terminals
Outdoor designated areas remain your reliable fallback at Kannur Airport. You will find smoking spots near the main terminal entrance and around the parking lot. The terminal building has a modern, open design, and the outdoor areas are easily accessible from the departures and arrivals levels. If you are being picked up or dropping someone off, the parking area is the most convenient place for a cigarette.
Kannur has a tropical climate with heavy monsoon rains from June through August, so the outdoor areas can be uncomfortable during the wet season. There is limited shelter at the designated smoking spots.
Tips for Smokers at Kannur Airport
- Do not count on the Gate 1 smoking cabin being open. Recent reports say it is closed, so smoke outside before clearing security.
- If you are catching an early morning Gulf flight, arrive with extra time to smoke in the parking area — once past security, you will likely have no option.
- Ask staff at the information counter about the current status of the smoking cabin. Closures at Indian airports can be reversed without much notice.
- The terminal is still young and expanding. Keep an eye out for new designated smoking areas that may be added as the airport grows.
- Vaping devices are illegal across India. Do not carry them to Kannur Airport regardless of whether your destination allows them.
India Smoking Regulations
India regulates airport smoking through COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003), which bans smoking in public places except in designated areas. Getting caught smoking outside a marked zone at CNN means a spot fine of Rs 200. Designated smoking zones are required to be at least 10 feet from any building entrance or exit. E-cigarettes were banned nationally in 2019 — bringing a vape device into any Indian airport, including Kannur, is a legal offence that can lead to confiscation and prosecution.