Cairo International Airport (CAI)

Cairo International Airport (CAI) maintains a traveler-friendly smoking policy, allowing smoking in designated areas both before and after security checkpoints across its terminals. This provides convenience for passengers who wish to smoke without having to exit the airport entirely and re-enter, which is often a significant hassle. The policy is clearly structured, with specific indoor smoking facilities available in all three main terminals, complemented by outdoor designated zones. Before passing through security, passengers can find designated smoking areas located outside the terminal buildings. These outdoor zones are typically well-marked and offer a straightforward option for a smoke before checking in or after arrival. It's always advisable to look for clear signage indicating these permitted outdoor spaces. Once past security, Cairo Airport offers several dedicated smoking rooms and facilities. In Terminal 1, a notable smoking room is situated in Departure Hall 2, conveniently located right next to the only cafe in that hall. This room has been described as quite "fancy," featuring a stone floor, a flight status display, and comfortable, sauna-like seating, providing a relatively pleasant environment for smokers. Terminal 2 also hosts a smoking room, which can be found on the 2nd floor near the food corner area, offering a similar convenience for departing or transit passengers. Terminal 3, being one of the larger and more modern terminals, provides multiple options. Travelers have reported a smoking lounge available near Gate G5, and another large, spacious, and notably clean smoking room next to Gate G28. This room has received positive feedback for its lack of lingering smoke smell, a common issue in many airport smoking facilities. Additionally, within Terminal 3, BELL'S Restaurant & Cafe, located just before the F gates, permits smoking for patrons who make a purchase. It's important to note that while this cafe offers a smoking option, free smoking lounges in this specific area were reported closed as of June 2020, indicating a shift towards paid or dedicated smoking rooms. Another smoking room is accessible near Gate F2, requiring passengers to take an elevator to the 2nd floor. These varied options ensure that smokers can find a suitable spot regardless of their gate or terminal. The airport's commitment to providing designated smoking areas, particularly after security, makes it a relatively accommodating airport for smokers. While vaping policies are not explicitly detailed in the available information, the general allowance for traditional smoking suggests a pragmatic approach. Travelers should always be mindful of using only the designated areas to avoid any potential issues, although no specific warnings or fines were mentioned in the provided content. The frequent updates from travelers indicate that the airport actively maintains or adjusts its smoking facilities, making it beneficial for passengers to check for the latest information upon arrival.