Medina Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) serves the holy city of Medina, the second holiest city in Islam and a major destination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The modern terminal, designed by Foster+Partners and opened in 2015, handles both regular traffic and the seasonal influx of millions of religious travelers. The airport provides designated indoor smoking rooms in compliance with Saudi regulations.
Smoking Policy at Medina Airport
Saudi Arabia’s Anti-Smoking Law (Royal Decree M/56, 2015) bans smoking in enclosed public spaces but requires airports to maintain designated smoking rooms. Medina Airport follows these regulations with ventilated indoor smoking facilities. Smoking outside these designated rooms is prohibited. Being a gateway to one of Islam’s holiest cities, the airport enforces these rules strictly.
Airport Layout
Medina Airport has a single modern terminal that opened in 2015, replacing the older facility. Designed by Foster+Partners — the same firm behind Jeddah’s Terminal 1 — the building features a striking canopy roof with geometric patterns inspired by the palm trees of Medina. The terminal handles both domestic and international flights from a unified facility, making navigation straightforward compared to multi-terminal airports. During Hajj and Umrah seasons, temporary facilities and additional processing areas are activated to manage the surge in passenger numbers.
Smoking Areas
Departure Area (Post-Security)
The main smoking facilities are located in the departure area after security and passport control. Designated smoking rooms with ventilation are available in the gate area. The terminal’s single-building layout means you will not have to walk far from your gate to find a smoking room.
Pre-Security and Arrivals
Outdoor smoking areas are available near the terminal entrance on the departures level. On the ground floor arrivals level, you can smoke in designated outdoor spots outside the building. Medina sits in a desert valley, and summer temperatures routinely exceed 45°C — outdoor smoking during daytime in summer months is highly uncomfortable.
During Hajj and Umrah Season
When pilgrimage season peaks, the airport handles far more passengers than its typical daily flow. Smoking rooms become noticeably more crowded during these periods. The terminal may also set up temporary arrangements, so signage and room locations can shift. Allow extra time if you need to smoke before a flight during peak season.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
E-cigarettes became legal in Saudi Arabia in 2019. You may use vaping devices inside designated smoking rooms at Medina Airport. Using them in the general terminal, prayer areas, or other public spaces is not permitted.
Tips for Smokers at Medina Airport
- The single-terminal layout makes finding smoking rooms simple — follow the signs
- During Hajj and Umrah season, smoking rooms get packed — go early before your flight
- Summer desert heat (45°C+) makes outdoor smoking areas impractical from June to September
- Tobacco products carry a 100% excise tax — prices in Saudi Arabia are high
- Medina itself has strict regulations in areas near the Prophet’s Mosque
- The airport is about 15 km from the city center — factor in travel time
- Duty-free shopping is available for departing international passengers
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Departure area (Post-security) | Yes | Indoor rooms | Ventilated rooms in gate area |
| Terminal entrance | Yes | Outdoor | Departures level |
| Arrivals level | Yes | Outdoor | Outside terminal building |
| During Hajj season | Yes | Indoor rooms | Rooms available but very crowded |
| General terminal areas | No | — | Strictly enforced |