Yes, Mangalore Airport (IXE) has a confirmed indoor smoking zone near Gate 4 on the first floor of the domestic departure area, accessible after security. Outdoor smoking areas are also available near the main terminal entrance and parking lot.
Mangalore International Airport — also called Bajpe Airport after the area it sits in — serves the coastal Karnataka city that has deep ties to the Middle East. A large Mangalorean diaspora lives in the Gulf, and flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha are among the busiest routes here. Like Calicut Airport in neighboring Kerala, IXE is built on a tabletop runway carved into a hill plateau, which makes for a memorable landing. For smokers, the good news is that the domestic terminal has a confirmed indoor smoking zone.
Inside Terminals
The domestic departure area at Mangalore Airport has a designated smoking zone near Gate 4 on the first floor. This is accessible after you clear security, so you do not need to exit the terminal for a cigarette while waiting to board. The zone is marked, though signage can be modest — if you do not spot it immediately, ask CISF personnel or ground staff near Gate 4 and they will point you in the right direction.
On the international side, there is no confirmed smoking facility as of early 2026. International operations at IXE are primarily Gulf routes, and the international departure area is smaller than the domestic section. If you are flying out to Dubai or Doha, smoke in the outdoor areas before entering the terminal, or use the domestic smoking zone if the terminals share airside space (check with staff on arrival, as configurations at smaller Indian airports can vary).
Outside Terminals
Outdoor smoking spots are available near the main terminal entrance and in the parking area. The airport is set in a relatively green, hilly area outside Mangalore city, and the surroundings are less congested than at many Indian airports. Designated zones are marked near the entrance — look for signage as you approach the terminal building. The parking lot is also a common spot for passengers to light up before heading inside, especially for those being dropped off.
Tips for Smokers at Mangalore Airport
- For domestic flights, head to Gate 4 on the first floor after clearing security to find the smoking zone. It is on the departure level and easy to access.
- If you are departing internationally, do not expect an indoor smoking option. Use the outdoor areas near the entrance or parking lot before you enter the terminal.
- Mangalore gets heavy monsoon rain from June to September. The outdoor smoking areas have minimal cover, so a quick smoke break during the wet season means getting damp.
- The airport is about 15 km from Mangalore city centre. If you are arriving by taxi, ask the driver to stop briefly at the drop-off zone so you can smoke before heading inside.
- Do not carry vaping devices or e-cigarettes. India’s nationwide ban is enforced at all airports, and Mangalore is no exception.
India Smoking Regulations
Smoking at Indian airports falls under COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003). Only designated smoking zones are permitted — lighting up anywhere else at Mangalore Airport will cost you a Rs 200 fine on the spot. These zones must be located no closer than 10 feet to any entrance or exit. E-cigarettes have been entirely prohibited in India since the 2019 Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, covering manufacture, sale, possession, and use. Travelers transiting through IXE with vaping devices risk having them seized.