Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is your gateway to India’s tropical island paradise — the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Whether you’re flying in from Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, or Bangalore to explore Havelock Island, Radhanagar Beach, or the historic Cellular Jail, you should know that smoking options here are extremely limited. A fellow traveler has confirmed it clearly: there is no smoking once you enter the terminal.
Inside Terminals
There are no smoking areas whatsoever inside Port Blair Airport. No enclosed rooms, no ventilated cabins, no designated corners. A traveler who has been through this airport confirmed: “You can smoke only outside of terminal. There are no smoking area when you enter terminal.” This is a small, single-building airport handling domestic flights with limited international seasonal service, and it simply does not have the space or infrastructure for indoor smoking facilities. Once you step inside and join the security queue, your next cigarette will have to wait until you reach your destination.
Outside Terminals
The only place to smoke at IXZ is outside the terminal building. The designated area is near the main entrance along the curbside drop-off zone, and you can also smoke in the parking lot area. Port Blair’s warm, humid tropical climate means outdoor smoke breaks are comfortable year-round, though the monsoon months (May to September) can bring sudden heavy downpours. There is limited covered space outside, so be prepared to get caught in the rain during the wet season. The airport’s small footprint means stepping out and back in takes only a few minutes, but remember you will need to clear security again.
Tips for Smokers at Port Blair Airport
- Smoke before you enter the terminal — this is non-negotiable at IXZ, as there is nothing available inside
- The airport gets particularly crowded during winter holiday season (December to January) when tourist arrivals peak; arrive early and have your last smoke outside with time to spare
- If you are catching an early morning flight, note that the outdoor area is accessible anytime the terminal is open
- Buy cigarettes in Port Blair town before heading to the airport — there are no tobacco shops inside the terminal
- Ferry connections to Havelock and Neil Island depart from the harbour, not the airport — do not confuse the two when planning your journey
India Smoking Regulations
India’s Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) prohibits smoking in all public places unless a designated smoking zone is provided. At Port Blair Airport, the only compliant area is the outdoor zone near the terminal entrance. Smoking anywhere else — including inside the building — carries a fine of Rs. 200 that can be levied on the spot. E-cigarettes and vaping products are fully banned in India under a 2019 government ordinance, and this applies equally in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Do not pack vaping devices in your carry-on or checked luggage.