Yes, Chennai Airport (MAA) has designated smoking zones in both the domestic and international terminals, available after clearing security. The domestic terminal (T4) has a smoking area near Gate 1, while the international terminal (T2) has zones near the gates and the TFS Travel Club Lounge on the 2nd floor.
Chennai International Airport (MAA) is India’s fourth-busiest airport, handling over 22 million passengers annually. The airport has designated smoking zones in both the domestic and international terminals, available after clearing security. Whether you are flying domestically from the new T4 terminal or catching an international flight from T2, this guide covers every smoking area at Chennai Airport.
Domestic Terminal Smoking Zones (T1 and T4)
Chennai Airport operates two domestic terminals. The newer Terminal 4 (T4) is the primary domestic departure terminal, while the older Kamaraj Terminal (T1) still handles some domestic traffic.
Terminal 4 (New Domestic Terminal) – Post-Security:
Near Gate 1: The main smoking area at T4 is located next to boarding Gate 1, toward the gates 7-10 end of the departure hall. After clearing security, walk to the far end of the terminal to find the designated zone.
Travel Club Lounge, 3rd Floor: Turn right toward Gate 1 after security and head to the 3rd floor. The Travel Club Lounge has a separate smoking area outside the lounge. This area is accessible even if you are not a lounge member, though the lounge itself requires a pass or payment.
Terminal 1 (Kamaraj Terminal) – Post-Security:
- Far left of departure area: After clearing security in T1, walk to the far left end of the departure hall. The designated smoking zone is at the very end of this section, clearly marked with signage.
International Terminal Smoking Zone (T2)
The New Integrated Terminal Building (T2/NITB) handles all international departures from Chennai Airport. Two smoking zones are available after clearing security and immigration.
Near gates, left side: One smoking area is located near the gates on the left side of the newer section of the international terminal. After clearing immigration, walk toward the left wing of the terminal.
TFS Travel Club Lounge, 2nd Floor: In the older section of the international terminal, a smoking zone is located near the TFS Travel Club Lounge on the 2nd floor. The lounge has a separate smoking area that some travelers can access.
If you are unsure of the exact location, ask airport staff or CISF personnel. They can direct you to the nearest smoking zone.
Outside Terminal Smoking Areas
Several outdoor smoking spots are available around the Chennai Airport terminal complex for passengers who have not yet cleared security or those arriving:
Terminal entrances: Ash bins are placed near the entry and exit points of both terminals. Look for the designated spots with ashtrays.
Between terminals: The walkway connecting T1 and T2 has smoking spots near the coffee shops in this area.
Taxi stands: Designated smoking areas are available near the taxi pickup zones outside both terminals.
Arrivals hall exits: Outside the arrivals hall, smoking spots are located near the main exits.
All Smoking Zones at Chennai Airport
| Location | Terminal | Access | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Near Gate 1 | T4 (Domestic) | Post-security | Indoor |
| Far left of departure area | T1 (Domestic) | Post-security | Indoor |
| Travel Club Lounge, 3rd Floor | T4 (Domestic) | Post-security | Indoor |
| Near gates, left side | T2 (International) | Post-security | Indoor |
| TFS Travel Club Lounge, 2nd Floor | T2 (International) | Post-security | Indoor |
| Terminal entrances | All | Pre-security | Outdoor |
| Between terminals walkway | T1/T2 | Pre-security | Outdoor |
| Taxi stands | All | Pre-security | Outdoor |
| Arrivals hall exits | All | Pre-security | Outdoor |
Tips for Smokers at Chennai Airport
Lighters are confiscated at security checkpoints across all Indian airports, including Chennai. The indoor smoking rooms have electric lighters available for use.
Stock up on cigarettes before arriving. Cigarettes are reportedly not sold inside Chennai Airport terminals. Purchase what you need before entering the terminal.
E-cigarettes and vapes are illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA). Do not carry or use them at any Indian airport.
During monsoon season (October to December for Chennai’s northeast monsoon), outdoor smoking areas can be impractical. Use the post-security indoor zones instead.
Terminal 3 is under construction and expected to open in 2026. Smoking area locations may change once this terminal becomes operational. We will update this page when confirmed information is available.
COTPA fine of 200 INR applies for smoking outside designated areas. Tamil Nadu state regulations are enforced by airport security and CISF personnel.
Peak hours at Chennai Airport are early morning (5-8 AM) and late evening (8-11 PM) for domestic flights. The smoking zones can get crowded during these times, so plan accordingly.
If you are connecting through other Indian airports, check our guides for Delhi Airport, Mumbai Airport, Bangalore Airport, Hyderabad Airport, and Kolkata Airport.