Yes, Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) has a designated indoor smoking room in the airside departure zone of its single modern passenger terminal. The enclosed, ventilated room is available after security. Outdoor smoking areas are at ground level outside the terminal.
Novosibirsk Tolmachevo Airport (OVB) is the main gateway to Siberia, serving Russia’s third-largest city and the unofficial capital of the vast Siberian region. As a major hub connecting European Russia with destinations across Central Asia, China, and the Russian Far East, Tolmachevo sees steady traffic year-round. The airport is also a key stop along the Trans-Siberian corridor, with many travelers connecting through Novosibirsk on their way to Lake Baikal, Altai, or beyond.
Smoking Policy at Tolmachevo Airport
Russia’s 2013 anti-smoking law banned indoor smoking in public buildings. A 2019 amendment, however, allowed airports to install isolated smoking rooms equipped with independent ventilation systems. Tolmachevo Airport has taken advantage of this, providing enclosed indoor smoking rooms as well as designated outdoor areas. Given that Novosibirsk winters can reach minus thirty-five degrees Celsius, the indoor rooms are not just a convenience but practically a necessity for several months of the year.
Airport Layout
Tolmachevo has consolidated into a single, modern passenger terminal. Domestic operations moved into the new terminal by mid-May 2025, with international services phasing in. The unified building handles flights to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, cities across Siberia and the Urals, plus Central Asian capitals, China, and seasonal charter destinations. Departures are on the upper level and arrivals at ground level.
Indoor Smoking Room
There is one confirmed enclosed smoking room in the airside departure zone of the passenger terminal. The room has a ventilation system and is clearly marked with signage. After passing through security, look for it near the gate areas. It is free to use and accommodates cigarettes, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes.
Outdoor Smoking Areas
Outdoor designated areas are located at ground level outside the terminal, near the entrance and arrivals zones. These work well during the brief Siberian summer, but from October through April the temperatures make outdoor smoking a test of willpower. Wind chill can make conditions even harsher, so most smokers stick to the indoor room during the cold months.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure-zone smoking room (airside) | Yes | Indoor | Single terminal, ventilated |
| Outdoor areas (ground level) | Yes | Outdoor | Outside the terminal, brutal in winter |
| Terminal interiors | No | Indoor | No smoking outside the designated room |
For Russia airport smoking rules, vaping rules, and other general info, see our Russia smoking guide.