Yes, Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) has designated smoking areas. They are outdoors on the lower level near the ground transportation and curbside pickup areas, marked with signage and fitted with ashtrays. Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the terminal building — not in the ticketing hall, the concourses, the restaurants and shops, or the restrooms — and there are no indoor smoking rooms or cabins. Use the marked outdoor areas rather than lighting up at random spots outside the building.
How Albuquerque Sunport Is Laid Out
ABQ has a single terminal with two concourses: A and B. The layout is compact compared to larger hub airports, which makes navigating the building relatively quick. The upper level handles departures and ticketing, while the lower level covers arrivals, baggage claim, and ground transportation. Both concourses extend from a central security checkpoint area. The Southwestern design is distinctive — wide corridors with exposed wood beams, tile flooring, and Native American artwork.
Concourse A
Smoking areas: The nearest place to smoke from Concourse A is the designated outdoor area on the lower level, outside the baggage claim exits. Every gate, shop, and restaurant in the concourse is smoke-free.
After security: Smoking is landside only — exit the secure area, use the lower-level outdoor area, then re-clear TSA to get back to your gate.
Concourse B
Smoking areas: Same as Concourse A — smokers use the lower-level curbside areas outside the terminal. The concourse and its gate seating are smoke-free throughout.
After security: Smoking is landside only; leave the secure area, smoke at the marked curbside spot, and allow time to re-clear screening.
E-Cigarettes and Vaping
Vaping, e-cigarettes, and all electronic nicotine devices are subject to the same rules as traditional cigarettes at the Sunport. Use the designated outdoor areas — vaping is not permitted inside the terminal or concourses.
Summary
| Area | Smoking Allowed | Location Details |
|---|---|---|
| Inside terminal | No | Full indoor smoking ban |
| Concourse A | No | No post-security smoking |
| Concourse B | No | No post-security smoking |
| Outside – lower level | Yes | Designated curbside areas near ground transportation |
| Vaping/e-cigarettes | Outdoor only | Same rules as traditional cigarettes |
For USA airport smoking rules, state vape rules, lighter rules at TSA, and other federal/state info, see our USA smoking guide.