Bari, Italy
Smoking policy at Bari, Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking anywhere outside designated areas is strictly prohibited under Italian law and can result in fines. The airside smoking room has been reported as closed in the past (2022) and then reopened by 2026, so always verify on arrival. Vaping is not explicitly addressed by the airport, but Italian law generally treats e-cigarettes the same as tobacco in enclosed public spaces.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) has a limited but real smoking setup for travelers passing through Puglia's main gateway. The safest bet is to smoke outside before security, but as of early 2026, there is also a confirmed indoor smoking room airside, near Gate A9 downstairs.
Before Security
Outdoor designated smoking zones are available just outside the main terminal building, accessible to anyone before check-in or security screening. These areas are clearly marked with signage and equipped with ashtrays. No purchase is required, and they are open to all passengers and meeters/greeters. Head outside through the main terminal exits and follow the smoking area signs.
After Security
The airside situation has been inconsistent over the years. Reports from early 2022 said there were no smoking areas past security at all. However, a March 2026 update confirmed a smoking area is back, and an April 2026 traveler report placed it downstairs in front of Gate A9.
Historically, this room was associated with the restaurant now called "Nderré a la Lanze" (previously "Caffé Vergnano 1882"), located after security controls, to the right, with the smoking room behind the main dining area. Past reports noted that staff may ask you to buy something small, like a coffee at around 1.20 euros, to use the room. Whether that informal policy still applies is unclear from current sources.
Images 1 and 8 show what appears to be a glass-walled enclosed smoking area inside the terminal, with multiple people using it, standing at high tables with an ashtray stand visible. This matches the described airside room.
Vaping Rules
The airport has no explicit published policy on e-cigarettes or vaping. Italian law broadly bans smoking, including e-cigarettes, in enclosed public spaces. Treat vaping the same as smoking and only use it in the designated outdoor zones or the confirmed indoor smoking room, if staff permit it there.
Transit and Layovers
Bari is a single-terminal airport, so all passengers, whether domestic or international, use the same airside area. There are no separate concourses with their own smoking facilities. If you have a layover, the Gate A9 area downstairs is your only realistic airside option.
Bottom Line
Smoke outside before security to be certain; the airside room near Gate A9 is confirmed as of April 2026 but has a history of opening and closing, so check locally when you arrive.
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