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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 described an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé, in August, September and October 2024, plus a designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance, before security.

Moldova Airports Compared: Before and After Security

Before security, you can always smoke outside: at a designated smoking area where there is one, or outside the airport property, beyond the terminal kerb and car parks. After security, Yes means there is a smoking area past security and a dash means none is listed. Each airport’s page has the details.

AirportBefore securityAfter security
Chișinău (RMO)YesYes

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, described by travellers in August, September and October 2024
  • 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.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Chișinău International Airport (RMO)?

Yes — travellers described an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé, in August, September and October 2024. There is also a designated outdoor area outside the terminal entrance, before security.

Is there a smoking area after security at Chișinău Airport?

Yes — travellers described an outdoor smoking terrace after security, on the upper level, reached through the Aircafé, in August, September and October 2024.

Are e-cigarettes and vapes allowed at Moldovan airports?

Yes — at Chișinău’s two outdoor smoking areas. 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, so vaping indoors is not permitted.

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.