Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) maintains a very strict smoking policy, particularly within its terminals. For travelers passing through CTU, it is crucial to understand that smoking is generally not permitted anywhere inside the airport buildings, especially after clearing security. The policy has become even more stringent, with a significant update from January 2024 confirming that all previously available smoking areas within Terminal 2 have been permanently closed. This means that passengers will find no designated indoor smoking lounges or rooms once they have passed through security checkpoints in either Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. This aligns with a broader trend in Chinese airports and national regulations to enforce smoke-free environments in public indoor spaces. The only opportunity for smokers at CTU is to utilize the designated outdoor smoking areas located before security. These areas are typically found outside the terminal buildings, accessible to the general public. If you are a departing passenger, you must complete your smoking activities before entering the security screening area. For arriving passengers, you would need to fully exit the terminal and proceed to these outdoor zones. It is advisable to look for clear signage indicating these designated spots upon arrival at the airport's exterior. These outdoor zones are the sole sanctioned locations for lighting up, and attempting to smoke elsewhere, even just outside an entrance but not in a designated spot, could lead to issues. For passengers with connecting flights, the situation presents a significant challenge. As there are no post-security smoking facilities, those wishing to smoke during a layover would be required to leave the secure area, exit the terminal building, smoke in the designated outdoor zones, and then re-enter the airport, passing through security screening once more. This process is not only time-consuming but also carries potential implications regarding visa requirements, depending on your nationality and the duration of your layover. Travelers should factor in considerable extra time for this procedure and verify any necessary visa arrangements beforehand to avoid missing their connecting flights or facing entry complications. Given the strict regulations, travelers who smoke are strongly advised to plan ahead. Consider using nicotine replacement therapies such as patches, gum, or lozenges, or explore vaping alternatives if permitted by your airline and local regulations (though vaping status at CTU is generally treated similarly to smoking in public areas). Always adhere to the airport's signage and staff instructions regarding smoking. Violating the no-smoking policy within the terminals or in non-designated areas can lead to significant fines and other penalties under Chinese law. The overall message for smokers at CTU is clear: plan to smoke before you enter the secure area, or be prepared for a potentially complicated and time-consuming exit and re-entry process for connecting flights.