Cape Town International Airport (CPT)

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) maintains a policy that permits smoking in designated areas, catering to travelers both before and after security checkpoints. This approach ensures that while the general terminal environment remains smoke-free, smokers have specific, sanctioned locations to light up. It's crucial for passengers to adhere strictly to these designated zones to avoid penalties and ensure a pleasant experience for all airport users. Before passing through security, passengers will find that smoking is exclusively allowed in clearly marked outdoor areas situated just outside the main terminal buildings. These zones are typically easy to locate and provide a convenient option for a final cigarette before entering the secure areas of the airport. Travelers should look for appropriate signage directing them to these outdoor smoking spots upon arrival or before checking in. For those who have already cleared security, CPT offers smoking facilities in both its Domestic and International terminals. In the Domestic terminal, a designated smoking area is available opposite Gate A12, and it is also noted to be located within a restaurant area, suggesting a dedicated, possibly enclosed, section of a dining establishment. International travelers will be pleased to know that a significant smoking area is accessible after passport control. Recent updates from late 2022 confirm this area is open and can be found opposite the Icons restaurant. It's further described as a large space situated after the A gates and just before the stairs that lead to the B gates, with some older reports indicating it might be down one flight of stairs to the right after passport control. Additionally, the Bidvest Lounge in the international terminal has been noted to offer its own smoking area, though access to this would be restricted to lounge patrons. Travelers are advised to always look for current signage within the airport, as policies and locations can sometimes change. While the airport has seen periods where smoking lounges were temporarily closed for renovation, the latest information indicates that key facilities are operational. Vaping policy is not explicitly detailed, so it's best to assume that vaping is subject to the same restrictions as traditional smoking and should only be done in designated smoking areas, if permitted at all. Always confirm with airport staff if unsure about the precise location or current status of any smoking facility.