Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC)

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, offers several designated areas for smokers, both before and after security, making it a relatively smoker-friendly airport compared to many international hubs. Travelers will find that smoking is generally permitted in specific, clearly marked zones, ensuring compliance with local regulations while accommodating passengers who wish to smoke. It's important for all travelers to adhere strictly to these designated areas, as smoking outside them is prohibited and could lead to penalties. Before passing through the main security checkpoints, passengers have a couple of options. Smoking is allowed in designated outdoor areas located outside the terminal buildings. These areas are typically easy to find and are the most straightforward option for a quick smoke before checking in or proceeding to security. Additionally, a recent update from April 2025 indicates the presence of a smoking room located upstairs, after passport control but before the main security screening, next to the MBT lounge. This provides an indoor option for those who have already cleared immigration but are not yet fully airside. Once you have passed through security and are in the airside departure area, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport provides several indoor smoking rooms. Official information from the airport website, as cited by the source, confirms two primary smoking rooms: one situated opposite boarding gate-5 on the south side of the boarding bridge corridor area, and another opposite boarding gate-9 on the north side. These rooms are specifically designed and equipped for smoking, offering a dedicated space away from non-smokers. Furthermore, a traveler update from February 2020 mentioned an additional smoking room located at the far end of the terminal near Gate 10. While this might be one of the officially listed rooms or a separate facility, it suggests that multiple options are available throughout the departure concourse. For travelers, it's always advisable to look for clear signage indicating "Smoking Room" or "Designated Smoking Area." If you are unsure, airport staff can usually direct you to the nearest facility. While the airport accommodates smokers, vaping policies are not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, so it's best to assume that vaping is treated similarly to smoking and should only be done in designated areas, or avoided indoors altogether to prevent any issues. The airport is currently undergoing a major expansion with Terminal 3, which might introduce new or updated smoking facilities in the future, so checking for the latest information upon arrival is always a good practice.