Yes, you can smoke at Qassim’s Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) in the airside Hayyak Lounge’s designated smoking area, or outside the terminal building, landside, where Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law permits smoking in the open air.
Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport serves Buraidah and the Al-Qassim Province in central Saudi Arabia, established in 1964 and renamed by royal decree in 2012.
Smoking Areas
After Security: Hayyak Lounge, Domestic Departure
Plaza Premium’s own listing for its Hayyak Lounge in Qassim’s Domestic Departure area, near Gate 1, names a smoking area among the lounge’s amenities. A separate Hayyak Lounge serving International Departure, near Gate 3, does not list one. Entry to either lounge is with a Priority Pass membership or a paid Plaza Premium booking, open to any departing passenger.
Outside the Terminal (Landside)
Smoking is also permitted outside Qassim Airport’s terminal building, landside, where Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law permits smoking in the open air. The law (Royal Decree M/56 of 1436H/2015) restricts smoking inside enclosed public-transport facilities, with isolated exceptions set out in its Implementing Regulations; that restriction does not extend to the open-air space outside the building.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Qassim Airport publishes no separate rule for e-cigarettes. Vaping is legal nationally in Saudi Arabia, so passengers connecting through Buraidah can vape in the Domestic Departure Hayyak Lounge’s smoking area or the open-air landside option outside the terminal.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hayyak Lounge, Domestic Departure (after security) | Yes | Indoor smoking area | Near Gate 1; Priority Pass or paid Plaza Premium booking |
| Hayyak Lounge, International Departure (after security) | No | — | No smoking area listed |
| Outside the terminal (landside) | Yes | Outdoor | Where Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law permits smoking in the open air |
| Vaping | Yes | Indoor and outdoor | Same options as cigarettes |
Qassim’s airside lounge and landside outdoor pattern matches Al-Wajh Airport, another Saudi regional airport without an indoor smoking area confirmed; connecting passengers can check our smoking during layovers guide for what to expect at a bigger hub.
For Saudi Arabia airport smoking rules, vaping rules and every other Saudi Arabia airport, see our Saudi Arabia airport smoking guide.