No, Lulea Airport (LLA) does not have indoor smoking rooms. Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas outside the terminal entrance. There are no post-security smoking zones. Winter temperatures regularly drop to minus twenty degrees, so snus (smokeless tobacco) is a practical alternative and can be used anywhere in the terminal.
Lulea Airport (LLA) is the gateway to Swedish Lapland, located about 7 km south of Lulea in the far north of Sweden. The airport handles around 1 million passengers per year, primarily on domestic routes to Stockholm. Lulea is a popular base for Northern Lights tourism, midnight sun experiences, and winter activities. The biggest challenge for smokers here is the weather – winter temperatures regularly drop to -20C or below, making outdoor smoking a brief and bracing experience.
Smoking Policy at Lulea Airport
Sweden’s Smoke-Free Environment Act, fully enforced since July 1, 2019, bans indoor smoking in all public spaces including airports. Lulea Airport does not have indoor smoking rooms. Smoking is only permitted at designated outdoor areas outside the terminal building.
This is a small regional airport and there are no plans for indoor smoking facilities. The outdoor-only rule applies year-round, even during the harsh Arctic winter months.
Airport Layout
Lulea has a single terminal with a compact, easy-to-navigate layout. All check-in, security, and gates are in one building. The airport primarily serves domestic routes to Stockholm Arlanda and occasionally seasonal charter flights. Processing times are generally quick, which is helpful if you need to step outside for a cigarette before your flight.
Smoking Areas
Before security: Outdoor designated smoking areas are located outside the terminal entrance. Look for ashtrays near the doors. This is the only smoking location at the airport.
After security: There are no smoking areas after security. Once past screening, you cannot smoke without exiting the terminal and clearing security again.
Winter warning: From November through March, outdoor temperatures in Lulea frequently drop to -15C to -25C. Smoking outside during these months requires proper winter clothing. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within minutes at these temperatures, so keep outdoor smoking sessions short.
Snus and Alternatives
Snus is particularly popular in northern Sweden, where it has deep cultural roots. Lulea and the surrounding Norrland region have some of the highest snus usage rates in the country. You can use snus anywhere in the terminal, including after security, making it a very practical alternative to braving the Arctic cold for a cigarette. Snus and nicotine pouches are available at shops in the terminal.
Tips for Smokers at Lulea Airport
- Smoke outside the terminal entrance before clearing security – there are no airside options
- In winter, dress properly for extreme cold if you plan to smoke outside (hat, gloves, warm jacket are essential)
- Consider snus as an alternative during the coldest months – it is widely used in northern Sweden for a reason
- The terminal is small and security is quick, so stepping outside and returning does not take long
- Summer months (June-August) offer pleasant outdoor smoking conditions with temperatures around 15-20C and nearly 24 hours of daylight
- Vaping must be done in the outdoor designated areas, same as traditional cigarettes
- If connecting through Stockholm Arlanda, you can use the indoor smoking rooms in Terminals 2, 4, and 5
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal entrance | Outdoor only | Designated area outside doors with ashtrays |
| Inside terminal | No | Indoor smoking banned since 2019 |
| After security | No | No airside smoking areas |
| Snus | Anywhere | No restrictions on smokeless tobacco |
Useful Links
- Swedavia Lulea Airport {target="_blank" rel=“noopener”}