Yes, Salalah Airport (SLL) has designated smoking areas for passengers. The modern terminal has designated smoking areas throughout, the Oman Air Al Khareef Lounge has a dedicated smoking room airside, and outdoor smoking is available before security.
Salalah Airport is Oman’s second international airport and the gateway to the Dhofar region. It is busiest during the Khareef monsoon season (roughly July to September), when the Salalah hills turn green and draw heavy Gulf tourist traffic. The airport’s new terminal, opened in 2015, is a modern building with aerobridges and air conditioning, operated by Oman Airports like Muscat.
Smoking Policy at Salalah Airport
Oman’s Royal Decree 22/2009 restricts smoking in enclosed public places but permits designated smoking areas at airports. Oman Airports, which also runs Muscat’s enclosed ventilated smoking rooms, applies the same approach at Salalah: smoking is confined to the designated areas and the lounge smoking room. Smoking in the general terminal, restrooms or corridors is prohibited and enforced.
Airport Layout
The 2015 terminal is a single modern passenger building with four aerobridges, full air conditioning and an architecture inspired by Dhofari nature. It handles international and domestic flights through one departures concourse, so the smoking provision is concentrated airside within that terminal and its lounge.
Smoking Areas
Departures (Airside)
The terminal provides designated smoking areas after security; follow the smoking-pictogram signage from the gate concourse to the nearest one. The Oman Air Al Khareef Lounge in the international terminal has a dedicated smoking room, alongside shower facilities and a business centre, which is the most comfortable option on longer waits for eligible or paying passengers.
Outside Terminals
Designated outdoor smoking is available outside the terminal building before security and on the arrivals forecourt. Salalah’s climate is mild and humid during the Khareef and hot and dry the rest of the year; the air-conditioned airside areas are the comfortable choice during the hot months and the busy monsoon-season crowds.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes may be used in the same designated smoking areas as conventional cigarettes at Salalah Airport, but not in the general terminal. Bring your own supplies, as dedicated vape retail at the airport is limited compared with conventional cigarettes.
Tips for Smokers at Salalah Airport
- The modern terminal has airside designated areas — follow the smoking signage from your gate
- The Oman Air Al Khareef Lounge has a proper smoking room for a comfortable layover
- Expect the airside areas to be busy during the July–September Khareef tourist peak
- Smoke before security at the outdoor area if your wait is short
- The terminal is fully air-conditioned; favour the airside areas in the hot season
- Carry your boarding pass — re-entry after stepping landside means clearing security again
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departures concourse (post-security) | Yes | Designated areas | Throughout the modern terminal |
| Al Khareef Lounge (airside) | Yes | Indoor room | Dedicated lounge smoking room |
| Outside terminal | Yes | Outdoor | Before security and on arrival |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Indoor ban; enforced |