Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD)

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD) in Hyderabad is a genuinely smoker-friendly airport by Indian standards. Smoking is permitted in designated areas both before and after security, with multiple post-security rooms spread across the domestic and international zones. The terminal is otherwise smoke-free, so stick strictly to the marked spots.

Before Security

Landside smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas near the terminal entrances:

• Near Gate 6 (landside, outside the terminal building)

• Near Gate 8 (landside, outside the terminal building)

These are the official pre-security smoking spots. They are open-air designated zones, accessible to anyone before entering the terminal, including those dropping off or picking up passengers.

After Security

HYD has several post-security smoking rooms across both the international and domestic sides:

International departures:

• Near Gate 24 is the officially listed international-side smoking area. Head airside through immigration and follow signage toward Gate 24.

Domestic departures:

• Near Gate 16 (confirmed by a traveler in June 2026)

• Near Gate 12

• Bus Gate area near Gate 122 (also listed in official information)

All post-security rooms are enclosed, ventilated cabins, free to enter, and equipped with wall-mounted electric lighters since personal lighters are confiscated at security. Look for "Smoking Lounge" or "Designated Smoking Area" signs in English and Hindi.

Encalm Lounge

One source notes that the Encalm Lounge near Gate 23 includes a dedicated smoking section. The Encalm is a paid premium lounge; walk-in rates vary but are typically in the range of INR 1,500-2,500 per person. Priority Pass and similar memberships may grant access. If you want a more comfortable environment with seating and food, this is worth considering for longer layovers.

Vaping Rules

Vaping is completely illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. This covers all e-cigarettes, IQOS heat-not-burn devices, vape pens, and accessories. Do not bring any vaping device into India. Customs actively scans for them, and penalties include fines up to INR 1 lakh and imprisonment up to one year for a first offence.

Electric Lighters

Personal lighters and matches are confiscated at security checkpoints at Indian airports. All designated smoking rooms at HYD have wall-mounted electric lighter machines. The trick: wait for the red indicator light, press the button, wait up to a minute for the coil to heat to amber, then hold your cigarette tip against it for a few seconds.

Transit and Layovers

If you have a layover at HYD, the post-security smoking rooms are accessible airside without needing to exit and re-clear security. The domestic rooms near Gates 12, 16, and 122 and the international room near Gate 24 cover most connecting passengers.

Bottom Line

HYD is a solid airport for smokers: free enclosed rooms after security on both the domestic and international sides, plus outdoor spots before security near Gates 6 and 8. Just leave your lighter at home and never bring a vape.