Medina International Airport (MED)

Travelers passing through Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport (MED) in Medina, Saudi Arabia, will find that smoking is permitted, but strictly limited to designated areas both before and after security checkpoints. This policy aims to balance the needs of smokers with the comfort and health of non-smoking passengers, aligning with general international airport practices while also reflecting local customs. Before passing through security, passengers can smoke in designated outdoor areas located outside the terminal buildings. These areas are typically well-marked and provide a space for a final cigarette before entering the secure zones of the airport. It's important for travelers to locate these spots upon arrival if they wish to smoke before checking in or proceeding to their gates. Once inside the secure areas, MED Airport offers indoor smoking facilities. For domestic departures, an update from December 2023 indicates the presence of a smoking area inside the domestic terminal, specifically noted to be near Gate 108. This provides a convenient option for domestic travelers. For international departures, a more recent update from May 2024 confirms a dedicated smoking room in the international area. Travelers are advised to proceed straight and then turn left after clearing the security check to find this facility. Images provided suggest these are enclosed, glass-partitioned rooms equipped with seating and ashtrays, designed to contain smoke effectively. While the airport provides these designated smoking zones, it's worth noting that local smoking laws in Saudi Arabia are not always heavily enforced, and breaches by locals can occur. However, as an international traveler, it is always best to adhere strictly to the airport's stated policy and use only the official smoking areas to avoid any potential issues. Vaping policy is not explicitly mentioned, so it's safest to assume it falls under the same restrictions as traditional smoking and should only be done in designated smoking rooms or outdoor areas. Always look for clear signage indicating 'Smoking Area' (غرفة التدخين or منطقة التدخين) to ensure you are in an approved location.