Ranchi’s Birsa Munda Airport (IXR) serves as Jharkhand’s main air gateway, connecting the state capital to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. The airport has indoor smoking areas on the first floor, accessible after security.
Inside Terminals
Two smoking spots are available on the first floor after clearing security:
- Near the staircase: Head to the first floor after security and the smoking corner is clearly visible near the top of the stairs or escalator. Look for signage directing you to the area.
- Left of Eat Street: A second spot is on the first floor to the left of the Eat Street food shop, near the staircase.
Smoking Zone at Ranchi Birsa Munda Airport – IXR
Having two smoking spots on the first floor is unusual for a smaller Indian airport. Check both if one happens to be crowded.
Outside Terminals
Designated outdoor smoking areas are near the terminal entrance on the departures level. The parking area outside provides additional open space. After arriving, the area outside the arrivals exit has room for smoking.
Tips for Smokers at IXR
- Ranchi Airport is compact — reaching the first floor smoking area from any gate takes under 5 minutes
- Two separate smoking spots give you flexibility. If one is occupied or being cleaned, head to the other
- E-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned throughout India
- During the monsoon season (June-September), outdoor smoking areas can be wet. The indoor first-floor options are your best bet during heavy rain
- Cigarettes are available at shops on the ground floor before security
- If connecting to Kolkata or Patna from Ranchi, note that those airports also have indoor smoking facilities