Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is the largest airport in Saudi Arabia by area and the primary gateway for millions of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling to Mecca. Handling roughly 40 million passengers per year, it is one of the busiest airports in the Middle East. The airport provides designated indoor smoking rooms to comply with Saudi regulations.
Smoking Policy at Jeddah Airport
Under Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law (Royal Decree M/56, 2015), smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places but airports are required to provide designated smoking rooms. Jeddah Airport maintains ventilated indoor smoking facilities in its terminals. Smoking anywhere outside these designated rooms — including gate areas, restaurants, and lounges — is not allowed and carries fines.
Airport Layout
Jeddah Airport has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Terminal 1, designed by Foster+Partners, opened in 2019 and handles most international and domestic flights. It features a stunning honeycomb roof inspired by traditional Islamic geometric patterns and can process 30 million passengers annually. The North Terminal still operates for some domestic flights, while the South Terminal handles overflow traffic. The famous Hajj Terminal — an open-sided structure with distinctive white tent-like fabric roofs — activates during the annual pilgrimage season to handle the massive surge of arrivals.
Smoking Areas
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
The modern Terminal 1 has designated smoking rooms in the departure area after security. These rooms feature ventilation systems in keeping with the terminal’s contemporary design. After clearing security, follow directional signage to locate the smoking facilities within the gate areas.
North Terminal
The North Terminal, which handles some domestic services, provides smoking rooms in the departure lounge. Facilities here are older than Terminal 1 but functional.
Hajj Terminal
During Hajj season, the Hajj Terminal operates to manage the enormous flow of pilgrims. Smoking facilities are available, but expect significant crowding. The terminal’s open-sided design means outdoor smoking areas are accessible, though summer heat during Hajj can be extreme.
Pre-Security and Arrivals
Outdoor smoking areas are available near terminal entrances before security. On the arrivals level, you can smoke in designated outdoor spots outside the terminal building. Jeddah’s coastal location makes it slightly less extreme than Riyadh in summer, but temperatures still regularly reach 40°C or more.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes became legal in Saudi Arabia in 2019 after the previous ban was lifted. You may use vaping devices inside designated smoking rooms at Jeddah Airport. Using them in the general terminal areas is prohibited. Vape liquid and devices can be purchased at some airport shops and in the city.
Tips for Smokers at Jeddah Airport
- Smoking rooms in Terminal 1 are modern and well-ventilated
- During Hajj and Umrah seasons, smoking rooms get extremely crowded — plan extra time
- The Hajj Terminal operates seasonally and has basic smoking facilities
- Tobacco carries a 100% excise tax in Saudi Arabia — duty-free offers better prices
- Jeddah is hot and humid year-round, with summer peaks above 40°C
- If connecting to Mecca, note that smoking restrictions are stricter in the holy city itself
- Keep your boarding pass handy — re-entry to secure areas after stepping outside is not always straightforward
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 (Post-security) | Yes | Indoor rooms | Modern ventilated facilities |
| North Terminal | Yes | Indoor rooms | Departure lounge area |
| Hajj Terminal | Yes | Indoor/Outdoor | Seasonal operation, basic facilities |
| Terminal entrances | Yes | Outdoor | Designated spots before security |
| Arrivals level | Yes | Outdoor | Outside terminal buildings |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Fines for violations |