If you are traveling through Kempegowda International Airport and need to find a smoking zone quickly, this guide covers every designated Bangalore airport smoking area across both terminals with exact locations — based on official BIAL data and verified traveler information.
All Smoking Zones – Quick Reference
| Zone | Terminal | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Next to 080 Lounge, Opposite Gate 12 | T1 | Indoor |
| Opposite Boarding Gate 35 | T1 | Indoor |
| Quad Area next to Cafe Coffee Day | T1 | Open Air |
| Opposite Boarding Gate 40 | T1 | Indoor |
| Large Outdoor Area – Left of walkway to Gates C1–C6, D1–D13 | T2 International | Open Air (100 person capacity) |
| Connecting Corridor 1 (CC1), near Gate C3 | T2 International | Indoor |
| Opposite Domestic Bus Gate 18 | T2 Domestic | Open Air |
| Arrival Kerbside, behind Nandini Cafe Moo | T2 Domestic Arrivals | Outdoor Kerbside |
Is Smoking Allowed at Bangalore Airport?
Yes, smoking is allowed at Kempegowda International Airport but only inside officially designated smoking zones. Before security, smoking is permitted only in designated areas outside the terminal buildings. After security, each terminal has clearly marked indoor and open-air smoking zones. Smoking anywhere else — corridors, gate areas, food courts, or near entrances — is a violation of COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) and is strictly enforced by BIAL.
One important rule that catches many travelers off guard is that lighters and matchboxes are not allowed in hand luggage on any Indian flight and will be confiscated at security. All indoor smoking rooms inside Bangalore Airport have built-in electric lighter machines on the walls, so you do not need to carry one.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Smoking allowed | Only in designated zones |
| Before security | Outside terminal buildings only |
| Lighters in hand luggage | Not permitted — confiscated at security |
| E-cigarettes and vapes | Completely banned in India |
| Cigarettes in hand luggage | Allowed on domestic and international flights |
| Indoor lighter machines | Available in all indoor smoking rooms |
Bangalore Airport Smoking Area – Terminal 1
Terminal 1 handles most domestic flights at Bangalore Airport. There are four designated smoking zones spread across different sections of the terminal, so no matter which gate your flight departs from, a smoking area is always nearby.
Next to 080 Lounge – Opposite Boarding Gate 12
This is the primary and most centrally located Bangalore airport smoking area in Terminal 1. After clearing security, walk just past the shops and turn right, then go upstairs. At the top, the 080 Lounge (previously known as the Above Ground Level lounge) is on the right and the business centre is on the left. The smoking room sits between the two. This is the easiest smoking zone to find in T1 and the one most travelers end up using since the 080 Lounge is a well-known landmark in the terminal.
Opposite Boarding Gate 35
A second indoor smoking zone is located directly opposite Boarding Gate 35 in the mid-section of Terminal 1. Passengers whose flights depart from the gates in this area will find this spot most convenient and avoid the walk back toward the main lounge area near Gate 12.
Quad Area Next to Cafe Coffee Day
The Quad is the outdoor dining and entertainment zone at Bangalore Airport located outside the main terminal building. The smoking area here is open air and sits next to Cafe Coffee Day, making it a relaxed option for travelers with extra time. A cigarette shop is also available in this zone, which is useful if you need to buy cigarettes before heading inside and past security.
Opposite Boarding Gate 40
At the far end of Terminal 1, the fourth smoking zone is directly opposite Boarding Gate 40. Passengers departing from the gates toward the far end of T1 will find this the most practical option without having to walk back through the entire terminal.
| Smoking Zone | How to Reach |
|---|---|
| Next to 080 Lounge, Opposite Gate 12 | After security, past shops, turn right, go upstairs — smoking room is between lounge and business centre |
| Opposite Gate 35 | Walk to mid-terminal, zone is directly opposite Gate 35 |
| Quad Area near Cafe Coffee Day | Head to The Quad outdoor zone outside the terminal, smoking area next to CCD |
| Opposite Gate 40 | Walk to far end of T1, zone is directly opposite Gate 40 |
Bangalore Airport Smoking Area – Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is the newer Garden Terminal at Bangalore Airport, handling select domestic and all international flights. It has the most impressive smoking facilities at any Indian airport, particularly the large outdoor international zone that can accommodate around 100 people at a time.
International Departures – Large Outdoor Area Near Gates C1 to D13
This is the standout Bangalore airport smoking area at the entire airport. After clearing security in the international departures section of T2, there is a huge open-air smoking zone that can accommodate roughly 100 people at a time. It is located to the left of the walkway leading toward Gates C1 through C6 and D1 through D13. The zone has lighting devices available and the open-air design with T2’s signature garden-themed surroundings makes it one of the most refreshing smoking areas at any airport in India. If you are flying international from T2, this is your primary option and it is very easy to find once you are through security.
International Departures – Connecting Corridor 1 Near Gate C3
Inside the international departures section, there is also an enclosed indoor smoking room in Connecting Corridor 1 (CC1) near Boarding Gate C3. Follow the signs toward the prayer room after completing immigration — the smoking room is along that path on the left. It has electric lighter stations, bar stool seating, and tables. This is a good option when the outdoor zone feels too crowded or during monsoon weather.
Domestic Departures – Opposite Bus Gate 18
For domestic travelers departing from Terminal 2, the designated smoking area is an open-air zone opposite Bus Gate 18. The design here reflects T2’s garden philosophy with greenery and open seating and is consistently well-rated by domestic travelers passing through this terminal.
Domestic Arrivals – Kerbside Behind Nandini Cafe Moo
Passengers who have just landed on a domestic flight at T2 and need a smoke before heading to the city can find the designated kerbside smoking spot behind Nandini Cafe Moo. Exit the arrivals hall and look to your left near the taxi boarding area — the smoking spot is right there.
| Smoking Zone | Section | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Large Outdoor Area | International Departures | Left of walkway to Gates C1–C6 and D1–D13, ~100 person capacity |
| Connecting Corridor 1 (CC1) | International Departures | Near Gate C3, follow prayer room signs |
| Opposite Bus Gate 18 | Domestic Departures | Open area after domestic security |
| Behind Nandini Cafe Moo | Domestic Arrivals | Arrival kerbside near taxi stand |
All smoking zone information in this guide is verified and accurate as of June 2026. Airport facilities can change without prior notice. Always check the official Bangalore Airport website at bengaluruairport.com before your travel date to confirm the latest details. DistanceData is an independent travel information website and is not affiliated with BIAL.
