Smoking Areas at Heraklion Airport
Can you smoke at Heraklion International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis” (HER)? Not indoors. Greek law bans smoking inside public buildings, including the terminal, so smoking and vaping are only permitted outside. Here is where you can light up, what happens after security, and the rules to know.
Can you smoke at Heraklion Airport?
Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside the terminal. Greece enforces a strict indoor smoking ban in airports, so the only place to smoke is outdoors, in the open air outside the building. The ban is taken seriously and fines can apply.
Where can you smoke?
Smoke outside the terminal — by the entrances on the landside (public) forecourt, where there is open air and, at times, designated spots or ashtrays. This is easy before you check in or pass security, since you are still in the public part of the airport.
What about after security?
Once you are airside, past security, there is generally nowhere to smoke — HER does not have a sealed indoor smoking lounge in the departures area. If you are a smoker, plan to have your last cigarette outside before you go through security, because you will not be able to step back out without re-clearing the checks.
Vaping and e-cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes and vapes are treated like tobacco: no vaping inside the terminal. Use them outside in the same open-air areas. Carry vape devices and spare batteries in your hand luggage, not checked baggage, in line with airline safety rules.
The rules in short
- No smoking or vaping anywhere indoors.
- Smoke outside, on the landside forecourt near the entrances.
- No airside smoking area — smoke before security.
- Fines can be issued for smoking indoors.
Tips for smokers
Have your last cigarette outside before security, especially with a long wait ahead, and remember most flights and the cabin are strictly non-smoking too. If you are connecting through HER, you would need to exit airside and clear security again to smoke, which is rarely worth it on a short connection.
Frequently asked questions
Can you smoke inside Heraklion Airport?
No — smoking indoors is banned by Greek law throughout the terminal.
Where is the smoking area?
Outside the terminal, in the open air on the landside forecourt near the entrances.
Is there a smoking area after security?
No, there is generally no airside smoking lounge, so smoke before you pass security.
Can I vape at the airport?
Only outside — vaping indoors is banned like smoking.