Mumbai, India
Smoking policy at Mumbai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)
Warnings & Caveats
Smoking outside designated zones carries a Rs. 200 fine under India's COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act). Vaping and e-cigarettes are banned nationwide in India under the PECA 2019 Act. Do not bring vaping devices to BOM. Children are strictly prohibited from entering smoking cabins. Food and beverages are not permitted inside smoking cabins. Smoking cabin locations may shift temporarily during renovation or maintenance work. Confirm current locations with airport staff at information desks.
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) permits smoking only in designated enclosed glass cabins, both before and after security. Smoking anywhere outside these marked zones is illegal under India's COTPA regulations and carries a Rs. 200 on-the-spot fine. The airport has two active terminals: the older Terminal 1 (domestic) and the large, modern Terminal 2 (domestic and international). Both have multiple smoking rooms, and all are free to access with a valid boarding pass.
Before Security
Landside smoking is restricted to outdoor areas near the terminal entrances, specifically around the parking and taxi pickup zones outside the terminal buildings. There are no dedicated indoor smoking cabins in the public landside areas inside the terminal. If you need a smoke before checking in, head outside to the designated zones near the drop-off area.
T2 Arrivals (landside): Smoking areas are located on Level 2, between baggage belts 1 and 2, near belt 5, and near belt 12. These are accessible to arriving passengers before they exit the building.
After Security
This is where BOM has the most options, particularly in Terminal 2.
Terminal 1B (airside):
Smoking cabin between Departure Gates 1 and 2, in the check-in/departure area.
Terminal 1C (airside):
Between Gates A6 and A7.
Opposite Gate A3.
Terminal 2, International Departures (airside):
Level 4, in the retail area.
Near Gate 68 and the South West Pier (Level 3). A traveler update from June 2023 notes there is also a smoking area to the right after clearing immigration and passing the duty-free shops, though it tends to get crowded. The one beside Gate 68 is reportedly less busy.
Terminal 2, Domestic Departures (airside):
Level 3, retail area.
Near Gate 42 (confirmed by a traveler in March 2023).
Between Gates 48 and 49 (confirmed April 2023).
Gate 28 area is also listed in some sources.
Airport transfers for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Vaping Rules
India has a national vaping ban under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019, which makes the sale, import, and use of e-cigarettes illegal across the country. Vaping is not permitted at BOM, even inside the designated smoking cabins. Do not travel with a vape device to India.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through T2 and have cleared immigration, you can access the airside smoking areas near Gate 68 or in the retail zones. Given how large T2 is, budget at least 10 to 15 minutes of walking time to reach a smoking cabin and return to your gate. During peak morning and evening hours, the cabins can get crowded.
Bottom Line
BOM has a solid network of free, enclosed smoking cabins airside in both terminals, with T2 offering the most choice. Vaping is banned nationwide, so leave the e-cigarette at home.
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