Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is Jordan’s main airport, located about 30 kilometres south of Amman. The modern terminal, designed by Foster+Partners and opened in 2013, handles around 9 million passengers annually and serves as the hub for Royal Jordanian. The airport is the primary entry point for tourists visiting Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum. For smokers, the airport provides designated outdoor smoking areas in line with Jordan’s indoor smoking ban.
Smoking Policy at Queen Alia International Airport
Jordan’s Public Health Law No. 47/2008 bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, including airports, restaurants, and government buildings. Unlike airports in the Gulf states that often provide enclosed indoor smoking rooms, Queen Alia Airport relies on designated outdoor areas. Jordan has a high adult smoking rate, estimated at over 30% of the population, and smoking is a common part of social life. Despite this, the indoor ban at the airport is generally enforced.
Airport Layout
The Foster+Partners terminal is a modern single building with a distinctive undulating roof. Departures are on the upper level with a central security checkpoint leading to the airside gate area. Arrivals and ground transport are on the lower level. The terminal is designed to handle expanding traffic with future phases planned. Amman’s elevation of around 800 metres gives it a more moderate climate than sea-level Gulf airports, with warm but bearable summers and cool winters.
Smoking Areas
Landside (Before Security)
Outdoor smoking areas are available outside the terminal building on the departures and arrivals levels. Look for designated zones near the entrances. Jordan’s climate makes outdoor smoking reasonable for most of the year, with the exception of occasional winter rain and cold snaps.
Airside
Access to outdoor smoking areas from the airside gate area is limited. If you need to smoke after security, ask airport staff about the nearest available designated area. The options are more restricted compared to Gulf airports with dedicated indoor rooms.
Lounges
The Royal Jordanian Crown Lounge and other premium facilities may offer information about nearby smoking areas. Check with lounge staff upon arrival for current access options.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are legal in Jordan. At the airport, vaping should be restricted to the designated outdoor smoking areas, the same as conventional cigarettes. Using a vape inside the terminal building is not permitted.
Tips for Smokers at Queen Alia Airport
- Smoking is outdoor-only at this airport, with no indoor rooms like Gulf airports
- Jordan’s climate is more moderate than the Gulf, making outdoor smoking comfortable most of the year
- Winters can be cool at Amman’s 800-metre elevation, so bring a jacket if smoking outside in December through February
- Duty-free shops sell tobacco at competitive prices compared to European airports
- If you have a long layover, plan your smoking break before clearing security for easier access to outdoor areas
- Jordan has a strong smoking culture, but the indoor ban is enforced at the airport
- Cigarettes are widely available and affordable in Jordan
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landside outside terminal | Yes | Outdoor | Designated zones near entrances |
| Airside | Limited | Outdoor | Ask staff for available areas |
| General terminal | No | N/A | Indoor ban enforced |
| Lounges | No | N/A | Ask staff about nearest outdoor area |