Ahmedabad, India
Smoking policy at Ahmedabad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)
Warnings & Caveats
Vaping (e-cigarettes, IQOS, heat-not-burn) is illegal throughout India under PECA 2019. Possession alone can result in confiscation, fines up to Rs. 1 lakh, and imprisonment up to one year. Smoking outside a designated zone is an offence under COTPA 2003, with a spot fine of up to Rs. 200 enforced by airport security. Lighters are commonly confiscated at security checkpoints at Indian airports. Use the electric lighter machines provided inside the smoking rooms.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) in Ahmedabad maintains a smoke-free environment throughout its terminals, but designated enclosed smoking lounges with proper ventilation are available at multiple points in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, covering arrivals, domestic departures, and international departures. Smokers are well catered for here compared to many airports globally, though you must use only the marked zones.
Before Security
Landside smoking is available in Terminal 1 at the Arrival Forecourt, next to Theobroma (the bakery cafe near the arrivals exit). This is an accessible spot for anyone meeting passengers or heading out after landing, and it sits in the public-facing forecourt area.
After Security
Airside options are available in both terminals:
Terminal 2, International Departures (First Floor): A smoking lounge located near Bon Voyage, the retail/food outlet on the international departures level. This is the main option for passengers flying internationally after clearing immigration and security.
Terminal 2, Domestic Departures (Ground Floor): A smoking area near Gate 9 and Gate 10. Head to the ground floor domestic departure zone and look for signage near those gates.
Terminal 1, Departure area: A smoking lounge near boarding gates 3 and 4. This serves domestic passengers departing from Terminal 1.
All designated smoking areas are free to enter and are enclosed with ventilation, in line with India's COTPA framework that explicitly permits airports to provide such rooms.
Vaping Rules
Vaping is completely illegal in India under the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) 2019. This covers possession, sale, import, and use of all e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heat-not-burn products like IQOS. Do not bring a vape to AMD or anywhere in India. Customs actively screens for these devices, and penalties include fines up to Rs. 1 lakh and imprisonment up to one year for a first offence.
Lighters at Security
One practical note specific to Indian airports: lighters are routinely confiscated at security checkpoints. The smoking rooms inside the terminal typically have electric lighter machines mounted on the wall. These work by pressing a button, waiting for the amber coil to heat (the red light goes off), then lighting your cigarette from the coil. Allow a minute for it to heat up.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through Ahmedabad, the post-security smoking lounges in Terminal 2 are accessible airside, so you can smoke during a layover without needing to exit and re-enter security. The outdoor table confirms AMD has both after-security and outdoor area options.
Bottom Line
Ahmedabad Airport has solid smoking coverage across both terminals and both sides of security. Use the designated lounges, leave your vape at home, and pocket a lighter before you check in since you will not be able to take one through security.
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