Istanbul Airport (IST)

Istanbul Airport (IST), also known as the New Istanbul Airport, is widely recognized as a smoker-friendly airport, a significant improvement over the former Atatürk Airport which closed in April 2019. Travelers will find numerous designated smoking areas both before and after security, making it relatively convenient for those who wish to smoke. The airport has embraced a policy of providing comfortable, covered "Terrace" areas throughout its expansive terminal. Before passing through security and passport control, passengers can smoke in designated outdoor areas located on either side of the main terminal building. For arriving passengers, these outdoor zones are accessible after baggage claim. This allows for a final cigarette before check-in or a quick smoke upon arrival without needing to re-enter the terminal. These areas are clearly marked and are the only option for smoking on the landside of the airport. Once past security and into the airside departure area, Istanbul Airport truly stands out with its abundance of smoking terraces. These are not merely small, enclosed rooms but often spacious, covered outdoor or semi-outdoor areas, sometimes referred to as "Teras" in Turkish. You'll find these terraces strategically located across all concourse wings, from A to F, and also at the junctions between these wings. Specific locations mentioned by travelers include a terrace near Gate D, which is often close to business class lounges, and multiple terraces in the Gate F area, such as between F12 and F13, and between F9 and F10. There are also reports of terraces near Gate C1 and Gate E1 (for international flights), as well as an outdoor terrace on the domestic side near Gate E, past Starbucks. Finding these smoking terraces is straightforward: simply follow the prominent "Terrace" signs throughout the airport. It's important to note that these signs typically do not explicitly say "Smoking Area," but rather "Terrace" or "Teras." These areas are designed not just for smoking but also often allow passengers to enjoy a coffee or a beer purchased from nearby cafeterias or shops, providing a more relaxed environment. The airport's design ensures that a smoking terrace is usually no more than a 6-8 minute walk from any gate, minimizing stress for travelers with tight connections. The policy for vaping is not explicitly stated in the provided content, so it's best to assume it falls under the general smoking rules or inquire locally. There are no specific warnings about fines or penalties mentioned, but it is always advisable to only smoke in the designated areas.