Yes, Patna Airport (PAT) has an indoor smoking room on the first floor, accessible after clearing security. Take the staircase at the far left of the departure area, walk to the end of the first floor, and the smoking room is there. A 3-person capacity limit applies. Outdoor smoking is available near the parking area.
Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport serves the capital of Bihar and is a major connection point for pilgrims heading to Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Rajgir. Traffic has been growing steadily as Bihar’s economy develops, with flights connecting Patna to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. For smokers, the good news is that Patna Airport does have an indoor smoking room — though its availability has been a bit of a rollercoaster over the years.
Inside Terminals
Patna Airport has a first-floor smoking room that is accessible after you clear security. To find it, look for the staircase at the far left side of the departure area. Head up to the first floor and walk straight to the end — the smoking room sits at the far end of the corridor. Travelers who have used it describe a decent view of the airport from this elevated spot.
This room has had an on-again, off-again history. It was fully operational before 2020, then some travelers reported it was shut down. By early 2020, reports confirmed it had reopened. During the COVID period it was closed again due to health protocols, but as of late 2021 the smoking room was back in service with a capacity restriction — only 3 people are allowed inside at a time. As of 2026, the room remains open and functional.
If you find the first-floor room crowded or temporarily locked, there are no other indoor smoking options inside the secure area. You would need to exit the terminal entirely, which means clearing security again on your return.
Outside Terminals
Outside the terminal building, smoking is permitted in designated spots around the parking area and near the cafes that line the approach to the terminal. These outdoor areas are your only option if you have not yet entered the building or if you prefer not to navigate the stairs inside. The parking area has open-air sections where smokers congregate, particularly near the drop-off zone.
Tips for Smokers at Patna Airport
- Head to the far left staircase after security and climb to the first floor. The smoking room is at the very end — do not give up walking, it is tucked away but it exists.
- The room has a 3-person capacity limit, so during busy flight times you may need to wait briefly. Plan for an extra 5-10 minutes if your flight departs during peak morning or evening slots.
- If you arrive early and have not checked in yet, the outdoor areas near the parking cafes are a relaxed spot to smoke before entering the terminal.
- Stock up on cigarettes in Patna city before heading to the airport. Options inside the terminal are limited and overpriced.
- Leave all vaping devices at home. E-cigarettes are banned across India and security at Patna Airport will confiscate them without hesitation.
India Smoking Regulations
India regulates smoking in public places through COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act), enacted in 2003. Under this law, smoking is prohibited inside airport terminals except in designated smoking rooms. Getting caught lighting up outside a designated zone carries an on-the-spot fine of ₹200. Airports must place smoking areas at least 10 feet from building entrances. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act of 2019 goes further, making it illegal to use, possess, or sell e-cigarettes and vaping products anywhere in the country, with escalating penalties for repeat violations.