Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS)

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali, offers a relatively accommodating smoking policy for travelers, with designated areas available both before and after security checkpoints. This is a welcome feature for many passengers, given the general trend of stricter smoking bans in airports worldwide. The policy aims to balance the comfort of smokers with the health and safety of non-smoking passengers, providing specific, often well-ventilated, locations for tobacco consumption. Before passing through security, passengers will find outdoor smoking areas conveniently located. For arrivals, there is a designated spot outside near the parking and pick-up area, making it accessible immediately upon exiting the terminal. Similarly, for departing passengers, outdoor smoking zones are available at either end of the passenger drop-off area. These pre-security locations are ideal for a final cigarette before checking in or for those meeting arriving passengers. Once past security, the airport continues to provide options for smokers in both its Domestic and International Terminals. In the Domestic Terminal, a smoking area is situated opposite Gate 6 and Gate 1A, offering a convenient spot for domestic travelers. For international departures, there are a couple of notable locations. A recent update from January 2024 confirms the presence of a smoking terrace, often associated with a cafe or restaurant, located outside near Gate 7. This provides an open-air environment for smoking. Additionally, a popular and free smoking area is available near Gate 5, as confirmed by multiple traveler reports in July and August 2023. There was also a mention of a smoking area within the TRS restaurant, which required a purchase, though its current status might vary. A crucial tip for smokers at DPS concerns lighters. While smoking areas are provided, there have been consistent reports (dating from 2018 to 2023) that lighters are generally not allowed through security checkpoints and may be confiscated. However, some travelers have reported successfully getting lighters through, or, more reliably, that lighters can be borrowed or purchased from shops located near the designated smoking areas after security. It is advisable to be prepared for potential lighter confiscation and to plan accordingly. Look for signs marked "Tempat Merokok" (Smoking Area) to easily locate these facilities throughout the airport. The airport's commitment to providing these areas, despite the lighter restrictions, makes it a relatively smoker-friendly hub in Southeast Asia.