Athens International Airport (ATH)

Athens International Airport (ATH) offers a relatively accommodating smoking policy for travelers, with designated smoking areas available both before and after security checkpoints. This is a welcome feature for many passengers, as smoking policies in airports across Europe can vary significantly. The airport ensures that smokers have specific, well-ventilated spaces to use, preventing smoking in general public areas of the terminal. Before passing through security, passengers can find designated smoking areas located outside the terminal buildings. These are typically outdoor zones where smoking is permitted. Additionally, there is at least one smoking booth identified in the departures area before security, providing a more sheltered option. This allows travelers to have a final cigarette before entering the secure zone or upon arrival if they do not need to re-enter. After security, Athens International Airport provides several indoor smoking lounges and booths across its various terminals and concourses. These facilities are often branded, such as the "Winston Lounge," and are designed to be comfortable with amenities like air conditioning. Recent updates from travelers indicate a smoking room in Departures Terminal A near Gate 08/09, behind Starbucks, which was confirmed open in July 2022. Another lounge is located in Departures A, specifically in front of Gate A8, with updates as recent as August 2025 (though this date seems to be a future projection, implying it's currently available). For those departing from Terminal B, a spacious Winston lounge is situated between Gates B12 and B13, confirmed by a July 2025 update. There's also a smoking point in front of Gates B19-B21 on the ground floor, which is particularly useful for arrivals before baggage claim. Furthermore, a smoking lounge is available at Gate C, specifically before C34, as reported in September 2023. It's important to note that while many lounges are available, some specific lounges, like the Aegean business lounge, are explicitly non-smoking. Travelers should look for clear signage indicating "Smoking Lounge" or "Winston Smoking Zone" to locate these areas. The presence of multiple, well-maintained smoking facilities makes Athens International Airport a relatively smoker-friendly hub. However, it is crucial to only use these designated areas, as smoking elsewhere within the airport premises is strictly prohibited and could lead to penalties. Vaping policy is not explicitly mentioned, so it's generally safer to assume it falls under the same restrictions as traditional smoking or to inquire with airport staff. Always plan your smoking breaks carefully, especially after security, to ensure you have ample time to return to your gate for boarding.