Bengaluru, India
Smoking policy at Bengaluru, Kempegowda International Airport (BLR)
Warnings & Caveats
Vaping and e-cigarettes are completely banned in India (PECA). Carrying a vape device at BLR can result in confiscation and legal penalties. Lighters and matchboxes are banned in hand luggage on all flights departing Indian airports and will be confiscated at security. Use the built-in electric lighter machines in the smoking rooms. Smoking outside designated areas is punishable under COTPA. The fine in Karnataka has been increased to Rs 1,000. Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected airside. Once through security in one terminal, you cannot walk to the other.
Bangalore's Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) is one of the most smoker-friendly airports in India, with designated smoking areas in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, both before and after security. The options range from indoor smoking rooms with built-in electric lighters to a genuinely impressive open-air garden zone that travelers consistently describe as one of the nicest smoking areas at any Indian airport.
Before Security
Landside, you have several comfortable options across both terminals:
Restaurant/Flea Market zone outside T1: The largest outdoor smoking area at the airport, located near Windmill Craft pub and Cafe Coffee Day (CCD). There is a cigarette shop right next to it, making this the best place to stock up before heading through security.
Outside T1 departure entrance: A smoking cabin right outside the main T1 departure doors, near Mayiaas restaurant.
The Quad by BLR: An outdoor dining and entertainment plaza between the two terminals where smoking is permitted. Good option if you have a long layover and want food, drinks, and fresh air without re-entering a terminal.
Outside T2 arrivals (kerbside): A glass-walled designated smoking booth behind Nandini Cafe Moo, near the airport taxi stand. Exit the T2 arrival hall and look left toward the taxi boarding area.
After Security
Terminal 2 International departures has the most impressive setup:
Large outdoor smoking area near Gates C1-C6 / D1-D13: Reported to accommodate roughly 100 people, with lighting devices provided. It is to the left of the walkway leading toward the C and D gate piers. A traveler report from December 2024 confirmed this area was open and well-maintained. An air-conditioned enclosed smoking cabin was reportedly under construction nearby (near D20+ gates) as of mid-2026.
Smoking room in Connecting Corridor 1 (CC1) near Gate C3: A full-sized indoor room with built-in cigarette lighters, tables, and bar stool seating. Follow signs toward the prayer room and baby changing facilities; the smoking room is on the left. There is also a smaller smoking pod nearby that fits 4-5 people.
Terminal 2 Domestic departures:
Opposite Bus Gate 18: An open-air smoking zone widely praised for its lush greenery, flowering plants, and comfortable seating. Multiple travelers describe it as feeling more like a garden patio than an airport facility.
Terminal 1 (Domestic) after security:
1st floor near the 080 Lounge, opposite Gate 12: Take the escalator up past the shops and turn right. The smoking room sits between the 080 Lounge and the business centre. A cigarette shop is right next to it.
Near the restrooms, after the restaurants: A second indoor smoking room with clear signage in the corridor leading to the men's and women's restrooms.
Opposite Gate 35 and opposite Gate 40: Two additional indoor smoking rooms toward the far end of T1.
T1 Arrivals, behind Left Luggage past Chai Point: An outdoor smoking cabin after the last arrival exit, so you do not need to step outside the terminal perimeter.
Vaping Rules
E-cigarettes and vapes are completely banned in India under the PECA (Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act). You cannot carry a vape device at all, either in hand luggage or checked baggage. Do not attempt to bring one through BLR.
Lighters and Cigarettes
Lighters and matchboxes are confiscated at security on all Indian domestic and international flights. The indoor smoking rooms at BLR have wall-mounted electric lighter machines to compensate. To use them: wait for the red indicator light, press the red button, wait up to a minute for the coil to heat to amber-orange, then hold your cigarette tip against the coil for 3-5 seconds.
Transit and Layovers
Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not connected airside. If your itinerary involves both terminals, you must exit and re-enter through security, which means you cannot move between them once you have cleared. Plan your smoking stop in the correct terminal before going through.
Bottom Line
BLR is genuinely one of the better Indian airports for smokers, with multiple well-signed indoor and outdoor options after security in both terminals. The T2 outdoor garden zone near the C/D gates is the standout spot.
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