Moldova Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Moldova’s only major international gateway is Chișinău International Airport (RMO — the IATA code changed from KIV in January 2024). Travellers report an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé — described consistently across three separate 2024 visits — plus a designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance, before security.

For international travel through Moldova, Chișinău (RMO) is the airport that matters.

How Moldovan Airport Smoking Works

Moldova’s Law No. 278/2007 on tobacco control bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, so the terminal interior at Chișinău is smoke-free, and smoking is confined to two outdoor spots:

  • An outdoor terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé — reported consistently by travellers across three separate 2024 visits
  • A designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance, before security
  • The terminal interior is smoke-free throughout
  • An amendment effective 24 June 2026 extended Moldova’s indoor smoking restrictions to e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco devices

The Airport

Chișinău International Airport (RMO). Moldova’s main airport, handling around 6 million passengers a year. Chișinău’s smoking terrace sits on the upper level, past security, reached through the Aircafé; Moldovan media (Moldova 1 and IPN, among others) reported in April 2025 that Moldova’s National Inspectorate for Technical Supervision inspected the area and confirmed it meets fire-safety requirements.

Tips for Smokers at Moldovan Airports

  • Chișinău’s after-security terrace, via the Aircafé, means a connecting passenger does not need to leave the secure zone
  • Before security, use the designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance
  • E-cigarettes and heated-tobacco devices follow the same restrictions as cigarettes under the 2026 law amendment — use the outdoor areas only

Moldova Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Chișinău International Airport (RMO)Yes–Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Chișinău International Airport (RMO)?

Yes — travellers report an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé (three separate 2024 reports on airportsmokers.com and smokingairports.com). There is also a designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance, before security.

Is there a smoking area after security at Chișinău Airport?

Yes — three separate 2024 traveller reports (August, September and October) consistently describe an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Moldovan airports?

Moldova’s tobacco control law was amended, effective 24 June 2026, to extend indoor smoking restrictions to e-cigarettes and heated-tobacco devices in enclosed public spaces. At Chișinău, use the two outdoor smoking areas.

Where can I smoke at Chișinău Airport?

After security, at the outdoor terrace reached through the Aircafé on the upper level. Before security, at the designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance. There is no indoor smoking room.

What is Moldova's airport smoking law?

Moldova’s Law No. 278/2007 on tobacco control bans smoking in enclosed public spaces, including airport terminals; an amendment effective 24 June 2026 extended that restriction to e-cigarettes, vaping devices and heated-tobacco products in enclosed public spaces.