Yes, Raipur Airport (RPR) has two indoor smoking spots. On the ground floor, there is a smoking area to the left of Costa Coffee. On the first floor, a smoking room is located on the left side of the corridor, accessible after clearing security. Outdoor smoking is also available near the parking zone.
Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport serves as the primary air hub for Chhattisgarh, connecting this central Indian state to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The airport handles a steady mix of business travelers tied to the region’s steel and mining industries and visitors heading deeper into Chhattisgarh. For smokers, RPR is surprisingly accommodating — it offers two indoor smoking spots on different floors, giving you options regardless of where you are in the terminal.
Inside Terminals
Raipur Airport provides two separate smoking locations inside the building, which is more than many Indian airports of comparable size offer.
The ground floor smoking area is located to the left of Costa Coffee. This is the more convenient of the two if you are on the arrivals level or moving through the lower part of the terminal. Costa Coffee is a well-known landmark inside RPR, so finding this spot is straightforward — just walk past the cafe and look to the left.
The first-floor smoking room sits on the left side of the upper level. This is the better option if you have already cleared security and are waiting in the departure area. Head up to the first floor and look toward the left — the smoking room is set off from the main corridor. It tends to be quieter than the ground-floor area, particularly during off-peak hours when fewer flights are departing.
Both locations are designated areas, so you are within the rules as long as you stick to these spots.
Outside Terminals
Outside the terminal, smoking is allowed in designated areas around the parking zone. This is the go-to option for anyone who has not yet entered the building — drop-off companions, early arrivals, or travelers who want to smoke before joining the check-in queue. The parking area is directly in front of the terminal entrance, so stepping out for a quick cigarette is easy.
Tips for Smokers at Raipur Airport
- If you are short on time between flights, the ground floor area near Costa Coffee is the fastest option. Grab a coffee and have your cigarette in one stop.
- The first-floor smoking room is the better choice for a quieter break. It sees less foot traffic and feels more like a proper enclosed room rather than just a corner.
- Raipur Airport is not large, so navigating between either smoking spot and your gate takes only a few minutes. You will not miss boarding announcements.
- Stock up on cigarettes in the city. While RPR has some retail inside, the selection is limited and prices are marked up compared to shops in Raipur.
- Leave all e-cigarettes and vaping devices behind. India’s ban on electronic nicotine products is enforced at all airports, and Raipur is no exception.
India Smoking Regulations
The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 governs smoking at all Indian airports. Smoking outside designated areas is prohibited and carries a ₹200 on-the-spot fine. Designated smoking zones must be maintained at least 10 feet from building entrances per national rules. India’s separate 2019 legislation banning e-cigarettes makes it illegal to use, buy, sell, or carry any electronic nicotine delivery system in the country — penalties range from fines to imprisonment, and enforcement has been tightening at airports in recent years.