Yes, Kuwait International Airport (KWI) has designated indoor smoking rooms in Terminal 4 and Terminal 1. Terminal 4, opened in 2018 as Kuwait Airways’ dedicated terminal (designed by AECOM), features modern ventilated smoking rooms, while Terminal 1 also has enclosed facilities in its airside departure area.

Kuwait International Airport (KWI) serves as the main gateway to Kuwait and handles around 15 million passengers annually. The airport’s terminals include Terminal 4, opened in 2018 as Kuwait Airways’ dedicated terminal (designed by AECOM); Terminal 1, the older facility used by most international carriers; and Terminal 5, used by low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways. A large new Terminal 2, designed by Foster+Partners, is under construction with a target opening in late 2026. Terminal 1 has faced disruption and partial closures following 2026 regional events, so confirm your terminal and its operating status with your airline before travelling. For smokers, the operating terminals provide designated indoor smoking rooms.

Airport Layout

Terminal 1 is the older facility and has historically served the majority of international airlines, with departures on the upper level and arrivals below. It has, however, faced disruption and partial closure following 2026 regional events, so check its operating status before you travel. Terminal 4, designed by AECOM, opened in 2018 as Kuwait Airways’ dedicated terminal. Terminal 5 handles low-cost carrier Jazeera Airways. The terminals are linked by shuttle services. A large new Terminal 2, designed by Foster+Partners, is under construction with a target opening in late 2026 and will increase the airport’s overall capacity significantly.

Smoking Rooms

Terminal 4 (Kuwait Airways)

The newest terminal has modern indoor smoking rooms with ventilation systems. These rooms are located in the airside departure area, accessible after security. The overall terminal design is contemporary, and the smoking facilities reflect the higher standard of the building.

Terminal 1 (Other Airlines)

Terminal 1 provides enclosed smoking rooms in the departure area. While the facilities are older than those in Terminal 4, they are functional and accessible after security screening. Look for signage in the gate areas directing you to the nearest room.

Landside

Outdoor smoking is possible outside the terminal buildings near the entrances. However, Kuwait’s extreme summer temperatures make this genuinely uncomfortable from May to October. Most passengers prefer to use the airside indoor rooms.

Summary

AreaSmoking AllowedTypeNotes
Terminal 4 airsideYesIndoor roomsModern facility, Kuwait Airways terminal
Terminal 1 airsideYesIndoor roomsOlder but functional rooms
Landside outside terminalsYesOutdoorExtremely hot in summer
General terminal areasNoN/AProhibited throughout

For Kuwait airport smoking rules, the vape ban, and other general info, see our Kuwait smoking guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there smoking rooms at Kuwait Airport?

Yes. Kuwait International Airport has designated indoor smoking rooms in both Terminal 1 and the newer Terminal 4. These enclosed rooms provide seating and ventilation.

Can I smoke after security at Kuwait Airport?

Yes. Smoking rooms are available in the airside departure areas of both terminals, so you can smoke during a layover without leaving the secure zone.

Which terminal at Kuwait Airport has better smoking facilities?

Terminal 4, opened in 2018 as Kuwait Airways’ dedicated terminal (designed by AECOM), has newer and more modern smoking rooms. Terminal 1, used by other airlines, also has designated facilities but they are older.

Is vaping allowed at Kuwait Airport?

The legal status of e-cigarettes in Kuwait has fluctuated. If you have a vaping device, use it only in the designated smoking rooms. Check current import regulations before travelling with vaping equipment to Kuwait.