Smoking at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport – VSA

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Yes, you can smoke at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport (VSA). The reliable spot is a designated outdoor area on the terminal forecourt, near the entrances and the car park, before security. Any marked airside smoking zone is inside the single integrated terminal once you have cleared the security check.

VSA, officially the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, is a new greenfield airport built by GMR about 40 km northeast of Visakhapatnam city. It opened in 2026 with one integrated terminal serving both domestic and international flights, so there is a single departures concourse to navigate rather than separate buildings.

Outside the Terminal (Landside)

The easiest place to smoke is outdoors before you enter the terminal. Designated outdoor smoking areas sit near the entrance forecourt and around the car park and pick-up/drop-off zones. This is the dependable option for arriving passengers and for anyone who wants a cigarette before checking in. Stand within the marked area and away from the terminal doors.

Inside the Integrated Terminal (Airside)

VSA uses a single integrated terminal for domestic and international departures. Like other Indian airports, it is expected to provide a designated airside smoking zone in the departures concourse past security, typically near the boarding-gate area or food court. Because the airport is newly opened, exact signage and locations are still settling in — confirm the spot with the airport information desk or your airline’s ground staff after you pass security. You generally will not need to leave the secure zone to smoke once you locate the marked area.

Smoking Areas at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport (VSA)

AreaSmoking areaNotes
Landside (outside)Designated outdoor areas near entrances and car parkReliable option before security
Airside (after security)Marked smoking zone in departures concourse, if signpostedConfirm location with the information desk

Flying into the older city airport instead? See our guide to smoking at Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ).

For India airport smoking rules, the PECA vape ban, lighter-machine instructions, and other rules, see our India smoking guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a smoking area at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport (VSA)?

Yes. The simplest spot is a designated outdoor area on the terminal forecourt near the entrances and the car park, before you go through security. Any marked airside smoking zone, if signposted, will be inside the integrated terminal past the security check.

Is there a smoking area after security at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport?

Yes, if a designated airside smoking zone is signposted in the departures concourse. As Bhogapuram is a brand-new airport, confirm the exact location with the airport information desk or airline ground staff once you are inside the terminal.

Is there an electric lighter machine at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport (VSA)?

Yes, many Indian airports place an electric coil lighter near the airside smoking zone because passengers cannot carry lighters through security. Look for it inside the designated smoking area; if you cannot find one, ask staff at the information desk.

Can I vape at Visakhapatnam Bhogapuram Airport (VSA)?

Yes for regular cigarettes in the designated areas, but e-cigarettes and vaping devices are banned across India. Do not carry or use them at VSA, as they can be confiscated.