Zadar, Croatia
Smoking policy at Zadar, Zadar Airport (ZAD)
Warnings & Caveats
As of May 2025, the outdoor smoking terrace airside (near Gate 5) is closed due to construction works. Smoking is not tolerated in the area between the main terminal building and the temporary gate tent. Do not smoke inside the terminal building; Croatian law prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces.
Zadar Airport has a mixed smoking situation that has changed significantly due to ongoing construction works as of mid-2025. The large outdoor airside terrace near Gate 5, which was previously the highlight for smokers, is now closed according to a May 2025 update, and smoking is not tolerated in the area between the main terminal building and the temporary tent housing the gates.
Before Security
Landside options remain available and are your most reliable bet right now:
Outside the terminal building: Smoking is permitted in designated areas outside the terminal. Step out through the main entrance and use the marked outdoor zones.
Cafe with smoking area: There is a cafe before check-in that has a designated smoking area inside or adjacent to it. A July 2023 traveler described this as a solid option with ample facilities.
After Security
This is where things get complicated in 2025. Historically, Zadar had an excellent airside setup:
A large open-air terrace with runway views, located next to the gates (described as partially enclosed with a roof), was praised by multiple travelers between 2018 and 2023.
After Croatia joined Schengen in 2024, this terrace at Gate 5 became accessible for both domestic and international departing passengers.
However, a May 2025 update confirms the terrace is closed due to construction works, and smoking between the security checkpoint and the temporary gate tent is not tolerated.
The only airside facility mentioned is the Zadar Airport Business Lounge, located airside in International Departures, accessible via prepaid lounge passes or lounge membership programs (such as Priority Pass). No specific smoking provision inside the lounge is confirmed by sources, so check directly before relying on it.
Vaping Rules
No specific vaping policy for Zadar Airport is mentioned in available sources. Croatia follows EU norms, so treat vaping the same as smoking and use only designated outdoor areas to be safe.
Transit and Layovers
Zadar is a small single-terminal airport. If you are transiting, your airside smoking options are currently very limited given the terrace closure. Plan to smoke before you clear security if possible.
Bottom Line
Smoke before security using the outdoor designated areas or the landside cafe; the previously excellent airside terrace near Gate 5 is closed as of May 2025 due to construction, so airside options are essentially unavailable until works are complete.
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