--- title: "Smoking at Sochi International Airport – AER" canonical: "https://www.airportsmokingzones.com/russia/aer-smoking-at-sochi-international-airport/" language: "en-us" description: "Smoke at Sochi Airport (AER) in the airside smoking rooms of Terminals 1 and 2 after security, or at the outdoor areas by the arrivals exits." lastmod: "2026-10-03T00:00:00Z" --- # Smoking at Sochi International Airport – AER Yes, Sochi International Airport (AER) has indoor smoking rooms in both Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international), accessible after security. Outdoor designated areas are also available at ground level outside both terminals. Russia’s 2019 amendment allows airports to operate ventilated smoking rooms, and Sochi’s mild subtropical climate makes outdoor areas comfortable for much of the year. Sochi International Airport (AER) is the gateway to Russia’s most famous Black Sea resort city. The airport rose to international prominence as a host facility for the 2014 Winter Olympics, which brought a massive infrastructure upgrade including the construction of Terminal 2 for international flights. Today AER handles both summer beach tourism and winter ski traffic to the nearby Krasnaya Polyana mountain resorts, making it busy year-round. ## Smoking Policy at Sochi Airport Russia banned indoor smoking in public spaces with its 2013 anti-smoking law. A 2019 amendment specifically authorized airports to install isolated smoking rooms with independent ventilation systems. Sochi Airport has implemented this provision across both of its terminals, giving travelers access to indoor smoking rooms as well as outdoor designated areas. ## Airport Layout Sochi Airport operates from two terminals. Terminal 1 handles domestic flights and is the older of the two buildings. Terminal 2, built for the 2014 Olympics, serves international routes and features a modern, airy design with high ceilings and extensive glass walls. Both terminals have departures on the upper level and arrivals at ground level. ## Indoor Smoking Rooms Both terminals have enclosed smoking rooms in the airside departure areas. The international terminal has a smoking cabin in the sterile zone near Gates 25-26, and the domestic terminal has a sterile-zone atrium smoking area. These ventilated rooms are accessible after security, so there is no need to exit the terminal for a smoke. Look for signage directing you to the rooms near the gate areas. The rooms are free to use and accept cigarettes and e-cigarettes. Travellers describe heated-tobacco devices such as IQOS as not permitted inside the terminal, the smoking rooms included; the airport publishes no rule for the outdoor areas, so ask staff before using IQOS there. ## Outdoor Smoking Areas Sochi enjoys a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers, making outdoor smoking areas pleasant for much of the year. Designated outdoor areas are located at ground level outside both terminal buildings, near the arrivals exits. These areas are clearly marked and set apart from the main pedestrian flow. ## Summary | Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Terminal 1 smoking room (airside) | Yes | Indoor | Domestic departures, ventilated room | | Terminal 2 smoking room (airside) | Yes | Indoor | International departures, ventilated room | | Outdoor areas (ground level) | Yes | Outdoor | Outside both terminals near arrivals | | Terminal interiors | No | Indoor | No smoking outside designated rooms | For Russia airport smoking rules, vaping rules, and other general info, see our [Russia smoking guide](https://www.airportsmokingzones.com/russia/). ## Useful Links - [Sochi International Airport Official Website](https://aer.aero/en/) ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I smoke inside Sochi Airport (AER)? Yes. Sochi International Airport has designated indoor smoking rooms with ventilation, permitted under Russia’s 2019 amendment to the anti-smoking law. Rooms are available in both Terminal 1 (domestic) and Terminal 2 (international). ### Where are the smoking areas at Sochi Airport? Indoor smoking rooms are located in the departure areas of both terminals. Outdoor smoking areas are available at ground level outside the terminal buildings. Sochi’s mild climate makes outdoor areas comfortable for much of the year. ### Is there a smoking room after security at Sochi Airport (AER)? Yes, smoking rooms are available in the airside departure zones of both terminals, so you can smoke after clearing security without needing to exit. ### Can I use IQOS or vape at Sochi Airport (AER)? Yes for vapes — e-cigarettes are permitted in the designated smoking rooms alongside cigarettes. Travellers describe heated-tobacco devices such as IQOS as not permitted inside the terminal, the smoking rooms included; the airport publishes no rule for the outdoor areas, so ask staff before using IQOS there.