Horta Airport (HOR)

Horta Airport (HOR), located on Faial Island in the Azores, Portugal, maintains a strict policy regarding smoking within its terminal building. For travelers passing through this regional airport, it's crucial to understand that smoking is absolutely prohibited once you have passed through security. There are no dedicated smoking lounges, rooms, or any other facilities available inside the secure area of the terminal. This means that if you are a smoker, you must plan your smoking breaks carefully before proceeding to your departure gate. Fortunately, for those who need to smoke, Horta Airport does provide designated smoking areas outside the terminal building. Specifically, a recent report from May 2025 indicates that there is a nice little café equipped with an outdoor terrace where smoking is explicitly allowed. This café is situated before security, offering a convenient spot for passengers to enjoy a cigarette or vape while perhaps having a coffee or a snack. This outdoor terrace serves as the primary and effectively only option for smokers at HOR. Travelers should look for this café upon arrival or before checking in, as it's the last opportunity to smoke before entering the secure zone. For passengers with connecting flights, the situation requires a bit more planning. Since there are no post-security smoking facilities, if you have a layover and wish to smoke, you will need to exit the secure area of the terminal, proceed to the designated outdoor smoking spots (like the café terrace), and then re-enter the terminal, going through security screening again. This process can be time-consuming, so it's advisable to allow ample time between connecting flights to accommodate this, ensuring you don't miss your next departure. Always check your boarding pass and airline's re-entry policies, though typically for regional airports like Horta, re-entry is straightforward. In summary, Horta Airport's smoking policy is clear: no smoking after security. All smoking activities must take place in the designated outdoor areas located before security, with the café terrace being a notable and traveler-recommended spot. Vaping generally falls under the same restrictions as traditional smoking, meaning it is also not permitted inside the terminal building. Travelers are advised to make use of the outdoor facilities before passing through security to ensure a smooth and compliant journey. Adhering to these rules helps maintain a comfortable environment for all passengers and avoids potential issues with airport staff.