Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) operates under a strict smoke-free policy mandated by Philippine law, which technically prohibits smoking inside all terminal buildings and in most outdoor areas of the airport. The only reliably legal options are designated outdoor smoking zones on the arrivals level of each terminal, and one paid smoking lounge airside at Terminal 2. Enforcement is inconsistent, but fines for violations are described by travelers as hefty, so it pays to use the official spots.

Before Security

Each terminal has at least one outdoor designated smoking area, all located on the arrivals level across the road from the terminal building:

• Terminal 1: Walk out of arrivals, cross the car and bus lanes, and head to the far right end of the building. There is a covered outdoor smoking area with a blue "Smoking Area" sign. Locals near the exit will often point you in the right direction if you look lost.

• Terminal 2: Exit arrivals and head to the shuttle pick-up area. The smoking zone is directly across the street, near the Jollibee fast-food outlet.

• Terminal 3: On the arrivals level (Level 1), go to the far left door as you face the terminal. The designated smoking area is across the first road nearest to Bay 1. Ashtrays are limited here, and littering carries its own fine.

• Terminal 4: A designated outdoor smoking area is in the parking lot, roughly 50 meters from the terminal entrance.

After Security

Airside options are very limited and have changed significantly since the pandemic. Most previously available smoking rooms have closed.

• Terminal 2, PUFF Lounge (near Gate 9): This is the most documented paid smoking lounge at NAIA. Entry costs PHP 700 (approximately USD 12) per person and includes access to the smoking area, one beer, one coffee, one bottled water, and mixed nuts. You can use the facility twice in one day, with each visit capped at 30 minutes. Maximum capacity is 3 guests at a time. Cigars and pipes are not allowed. You must be 21 or older. The lounge is located in the West Satellite area after Boarding Gate 9.

• Terminal 3, PAGSS Lounge: As of early 2025, the PAGSS Lounge on the international departures 4th floor (airside) reportedly still had a smoking room, though a late-2025 traveler report states the last lounge allowing smoking no longer does. Reports are conflicting, so verify on arrival.

• Terminal 3, IQOS/Vaping Lounge (between Gates 111 and 112): A dedicated IQOS and vaping lounge connected to the Sky and Go Cafe was confirmed open as of March 2025. This is for heated tobacco and vaping devices only, not traditional cigarettes.

• Terminal 1: The JAL Business Class Lounge was previously reported to have a smoking area, but given the overall tightening of rules since 2022-2023, its current status is uncertain.

Vaping Rules

Vaping is subject to the same restrictions as smoking under Philippine law. The IQOS lounge at Terminal 3 between Gates 111 and 112 is the only confirmed dedicated vaping space airside. Vape devices are permitted in carry-on luggage within standard limits, but using them outside designated areas is prohibited.

Transit and Layovers

If you are transiting through NAIA and cannot exit the secure zone, your only realistic airside option is the PUFF Lounge at Terminal 2 (paid, Gate 9 area) or the IQOS lounge at Terminal 3. Re-entry after exiting for a landside smoke is generally not possible without going through security again.

Bottom Line

Smoke before security at the outdoor arrivals-level zones if you can; airside, your best bet is the paid PUFF Lounge at Terminal 2 (USD 12, near Gate 9) or the IQOS lounge at Terminal 3 between Gates 111 and 112.