Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) in Imphal is the main gateway to Manipur — one of the most remote and culturally rich states in Northeast India. For many travelers, flying is the only practical way to reach Imphal, with connections from Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati. The airport has a noticeable military presence given the region’s strategic location near the Myanmar border. Here is what smokers should know before arriving.
Inside Terminals
There are no confirmed indoor smoking rooms at Imphal Airport. The terminal is a small, single-building facility that handles a modest volume of domestic flights. Unlike larger Indian airports such as Delhi or Mumbai, Imphal does not have enclosed smoking cabins or ventilated lounges inside the building. Once you enter the terminal and clear security, assume you will not have access to any smoking facility until you land at your destination.
Outside Terminals
Your smoking option at IMF is the designated outdoor area near the main terminal entrance. The front of the airport has a curbside zone where travelers step out before entering. Look for signage or ashtrays near the entrance — or simply ask one of the CISF security guards, who are always stationed at the doors. Given the airport’s small size, you are never more than a couple of minutes’ walk from the exit if you need to step out before check-in.
Tips for Smokers at Imphal Airport
- Smoke before entering the terminal — once you are through security, there is no turning back without going through the screening process again
- Imphal experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon (June to September), so outdoor smoke breaks can be wet; use the covered curbside area if available
- The airport sees military and civilian traffic side by side — be mindful of restricted zones and follow all posted signage
- Flights to Imphal are occasionally delayed or canceled due to weather, especially during the monsoon and winter fog; having a smoke before entering can help if you face a long wait
- Stock up on cigarettes in Imphal city before heading to the airport — options at the terminal are extremely limited
India Smoking Regulations
Smoking in public places across India falls under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), which restricts it to designated areas only. Getting caught smoking in a non-designated spot at Imphal Airport means an on-the-spot fine of Rs. 200. India has also completely prohibited e-cigarettes and vaping devices since September 2019 — possessing them is illegal, not just using them. At a security-sensitive airport like Imphal, it is especially important to follow all rules and use only the officially marked outdoor smoking zones.