Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG)

The smoking policy at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), also known as Makedonia Airport, is generally restrictive, aligning with Greece's strict indoor smoking bans. For travelers who wish to smoke, designated outdoor areas are available before passing through security checkpoints. These areas are typically located outside the terminal buildings and are clearly marked with signage. Passengers should plan to utilize these facilities before checking in or proceeding to security, as options become severely limited, if not entirely absent, once inside the secure zone. Historically, Thessaloniki Airport did feature an indoor smoking room after security. A report from January 2019 indicated the presence of a nicely furnished smoking area on the second floor, accessible via elevator or stairs opposite Gate 5, and an accompanying image (Image 1) showed its entrance. However, a more recent update from August 2021 explicitly states that this specific smoking room by Gate 5 was dismantled during renovations, likely to make space for retail. The update further concluded that, as of that time, there were no smoking rooms available at SKG after security. Therefore, travelers should proceed with the expectation that no indoor smoking facilities exist once they have cleared security. Vaping policy is not explicitly mentioned in the provided content. Given the general restrictions on smoking, it is prudent to assume that vaping would be subject to similar rules, meaning it is likely prohibited indoors and only permitted in the same designated outdoor areas as traditional cigarettes. Travelers are advised to complete any smoking or vaping before entering the secure areas of the airport. If you have a long layover or a strong need to smoke, ensure you do so before passing through security. Always look for official airport signage for the most current information. It is important for smokers to be aware of the strict enforcement of non-smoking regulations within Greek airports. Smoking outside of designated areas can lead to fines and penalties. While it might be possible to exit the terminal and re-enter for some flights (especially domestic), this is not guaranteed and can be time-consuming, potentially causing you to miss your flight. Always check with airport staff or the official airport website for the latest policy updates and specific locations, as policies can change.