Israel Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Israel’s main airport flipped its smoking policy in recent years, so up-to-date information matters. Ben Gurion went fully smoke-free around 2020, then the Israel Airports Authority reinstated indoor smoking booths in September 2023 after travellers started smoking in the bathrooms. Today there are enclosed smoking booths airside in both Terminal 3 and Terminal 1.

For international travel through Israel, Ben Gurion (TLV) near Tel Aviv is the airport that matters.

How Israeli Airport Smoking Works

Israel’s public-places smoking law restricts indoor smoking, but Ben Gurion provides designated booths:

  • Enclosed indoor smoking booths after security, reinstated in September 2023, in Terminals 3 and 1
  • In Terminal 3 they sit near the gates, between the Duty Free area and the boarding gates
  • E-cigarettes are classed as smoking products and subject to the same indoor rules — vape in the booths only
  • Landside, smoking is at designated areas outside the terminals

The Hub

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV). Israel’s main international gateway, between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Terminal 3 handles most international flights and has enclosed smoking booths airside — travellers report them around Gates E3, E4 and D2, though the booths have moved since reinstatement. Terminal 1 also has airside smoking booths. Because the booths relocate periodically, follow the in-terminal signage to the nearest one.

Tips for Smokers at Israeli Airports

  • Ben Gurion has airside smoking booths again (since September 2023) — ignore older “no smoking at TLV” guides
  • In Terminal 3, look for the booths near the gates, between Duty Free and boarding
  • The booths move around — check the signage rather than a fixed gate number
  • E-cigarettes count as smoking products — use the booths, don’t vape openly in the concourse

Israel Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)YesYesYes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)?

Yes — Ben Gurion Airport reinstated designated indoor smoking booths after security in September 2023, after several years as a smoke-free terminal. They are available airside in Terminal 3 (travellers report around Gates E3, E4 and D2) and in Terminal 1. Landside, smoking is at designated areas outside the terminals.

Is there smoking after security at Tel Aviv Airport?

Yes — the enclosed smoking booths in Terminal 3 are airside, near the gates, so transit and departing passengers can smoke without leaving the secure zone. The booths have relocated since they were reinstated, so follow the signage to the nearest one.

Did Ben Gurion Airport used to ban smoking?

Yes — Terminal 3 was fully smoke-free from around 2020, but the Israel Airports Authority reinstated indoor smoking rooms in September 2023 after passengers began lighting up in bathrooms. So any older guide saying you cannot smoke at Tel Aviv is out of date.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Israeli airports?

Only in the designated smoking booths. Israeli law classes e-cigarettes as smoking products subject to the same indoor restrictions as cigarettes, so vape in the booths rather than openly in the concourse.

Where are the smoking booths at Ben Gurion Airport?

In Terminal 3, the enclosed booths are near the gates — recently reported around Gates E3, E4 and D2, between the Duty Free area and the boarding gates. Terminal 1 also has airside smoking booths. The exact spots move, so check the signage.