Turkey Airport Smoking Areas

By , Author, Air Travel Writer · Updated

Yes — you can smoke after security at Turkey’s airports on open-air terraces and balconies, positioned right by the gates so transit passengers never have to clear immigration. Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world’s largest, has 13 smoking terraces (10 international, 3 domestic) and 6 balconies spread across its A, B, C and F concourses, plus an outdoor terrace by the A-B Gourmet Trilogy. Turkey’s 2009 ban on smoking in enclosed spaces means these facilities are all outdoors rather than indoor rooms.

Smoking Regulations at Turkish Airports

Turkey banned indoor smoking in enclosed public spaces in 2009 under Law No. 4207. Because that ban covers enclosed terminal areas, airports provide designated outdoor smoking terraces and balconies rather than indoor rooms. Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world’s largest, has an extensive network of outdoor terraces and balconies after security throughout its departure areas.

Smoking outside designated areas is prohibited and fines can be enforced.

What to Expect at Turkish Airports

Istanbul’s airside smoking is on open-air terraces and balconies — Turkey’s ban on smoking in enclosed spaces means there are no indoor smoking rooms at IST. The smoking facilities are available after security, so connecting passengers can use them without leaving the transit zone.

Vaping follows the same rules as regular smoking — use designated areas only.

Best Airports for Smokers in Turkey

  • Istanbul Airport (IST) — 13 smoking terraces and 6 balconies throughout the terminal

Tips for Smokers at Turkish Airports

  • Look for smoking terrace signs in the departure concourse
  • Istanbul Airport has an extensive network of outdoor terraces and balconies after security
  • Connecting passengers can use transit zone smoking areas
  • Vaping follows the same rules as regular cigarettes

Turkey Airports Compared: Indoor, Outdoor & After Security

AirportAfter securityIndoor roomOutdoor area
Smoking at Ankara Esenboga Airport – ESBYes–Yes
Smoking at Antalya Airport – AYTYes–Yes
Istanbul Airport (IST)Yes–Yes
Smoking at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport – SAWYes–Yes
Smoking at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport – ADBYes–Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you smoke at Istanbul Airport?

Yes, Istanbul Airport (IST) has 13 smoking terraces and 6 balconies spread throughout the terminal. All smoking areas are outdoors and located after security, so transit passengers can use them without leaving the departure zone.

Are there indoor smoking rooms at Turkish airports?

Turkish airports primarily offer outdoor smoking terraces and balconies rather than enclosed indoor rooms. Istanbul Airport focuses on outdoor options with its extensive network of terraces. Smoking inside the terminal outside designated areas is prohibited and fines can be enforced.

Can connecting passengers smoke at Istanbul Airport?

Yes, all smoking terraces and balconies at Istanbul Airport are located after security in the transit zone. Connecting passengers do not need to exit the secure area or clear immigration to access smoking areas between flights.

Is vaping allowed at Turkish airports?

Vaping and e-cigarettes follow the same rules as regular smoking at Turkish airports. You must use the designated outdoor smoking terraces and balconies. Using vapes inside the terminal is not permitted.