Smoking Areas/Zones/Lounges at Russia Airports.
Места для курения/Зоны/Залы ожидания в аэропортах России.
Smoking Regulations at Russian Airports
Russia’s Federal Law No. 15-FZ (2013) restricts smoking in public places, including airports. However, a 2019 amendment allowed airports to reinstall enclosed smoking rooms with proper ventilation. Major Russian airports now provide designated indoor smoking cabins and outdoor smoking areas.
Moscow’s three main airports — Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO) — all have multiple smoking facilities. Saint Petersburg Pulkovo (LED) and other major hubs also maintain smoking rooms.
What to Expect at Russian Airports
Designated smoking rooms are enclosed cabins with ventilation systems, located throughout the terminal near gates and food courts. Some airports also have outdoor smoking pavilions. Rooms are available after security in the departure areas.
Heated tobacco products (IQOS) and e-cigarettes are subject to the same restrictions as regular cigarettes — use designated rooms only. Some airports like Vnukovo offer dedicated IQOS lounges.
Best Airports for Smokers in Russia
- Moscow Sheremetyevo (SVO) — Outdoor pavilions and the Moscow Lounge (paid) in Terminal D
- Moscow Vnukovo (VKO) — 8 smoking rooms (4 international, 4 domestic) plus an IQOS lounge near Gate 25
- Saint Petersburg Pulkovo (LED) — Indoor smoking rooms on multiple floors
Tips for Smokers at Russian Airports
- Look for designated smoking rooms near gates and food courts
- Some airports offer paid smoking lounges with more comfortable facilities
- IQOS and heated tobacco products are allowed in smoking rooms
- Outdoor areas can be very cold in winter — indoor rooms are the better option