Smoking Areas at Imphal Airport – IMF

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Yes, you can smoke at Imphal Bir Tikendrajit International Airport (IMF) in the open-air areas at the front of the terminal — the forecourt by the main entrance and the curbside drop-off and pick-up lanes. Imphal runs a single passenger terminal and the smoking spots here are outdoors, so light up before you check in and clear security.

Outside the Terminal

The front of the terminal is your smoking area at IMF. As you approach the departures entrance you will find open kerbside space along the drop-off lane where travellers step aside to smoke; look for an ashtray or signage near the doors. Because Imphal is a compact regional gateway for Manipur and the wider Northeast, the walk from the check-in hall back out to the forecourt takes only a minute or two, so it is easy to step outside before joining the security queue.

After Security

The Airports Authority of India lists a “Smoking Zone” among Imphal Airport’s facilities but does not publish where it is or whether it sits airside. The dependable, confirmed option remains the open air in front of the terminal, so finish your cigarette outside before you go through screening. Once you are in the departures hold area, plan to wait until you reach your destination — there is no re-entry to the landside forecourt after security. If you cannot locate the outdoor area, ask airline ground staff or the terminal information desk to point you to it.

A new integrated terminal is under construction at Imphal (targeted for completion in late 2026) and will roughly triple capacity; its smoking provision is not yet published.

Smoking Areas at Imphal Airport — Summary

AreaSmoking areaNotes
Terminal forecourtOpen-air zone by the main departures entranceBefore check-in; look for ashtrays/signage
Curbside drop-offKerbside drop-off and pick-up lanesA few steps from the doors
Airside (after security)AAI lists a smoking zone but no locationSmoke outdoors before screening to be safe

Heading on to another Northeast hub? See our guide to Guwahati Airport (GAU) smoking areas.

For India airport smoking rules, the PECA vape ban, lighter-machine instructions, and other rules, see our India smoking guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke at Imphal Airport (IMF)?

Yes. Imphal Bir Tikendrajit International Airport has open-air smoking areas at the front of the single terminal — the forecourt by the main departures entrance and the kerbside drop-off lanes. Smoke there before you check in and clear security.

Where is the smoking area at Imphal Airport?

The smoking area is outside, at the front of the terminal near the main departures entrance and along the curbside drop-off lane. Look for an ashtray or signage by the doors. The airport is compact, so it is only a minute or two from the check-in hall.

Is there a smoking area after security at Imphal Airport?

The Airports Authority of India lists a smoking zone at Imphal Airport but publishes no location for it. The reliable, confirmed spots are the open-air zones in front of the terminal, before security. Smoke outside before screening — there is no re-entry to the forecourt once you are through.

Is there an electric lighter machine at Imphal Airport?

Lighters and matches are not allowed through security at Indian airports, so terminals often provide an electric coil lighter at the smoking area. At a small airport like Imphal you may need to ask airline ground staff or the information desk to point you to a light at the outdoor zone.

Can I bring vaping devices to Imphal Airport?

Yes, cigarettes are allowed for personal use, while e-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned across India and illegal to possess or use. Security at Imphal Airport may confiscate any vaping devices you carry.