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Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is committed to providing a comfortable environment for all travelers, including those who smoke. However, due to stringent smoking regulations and public health guidelines, smoking is only permitted in designated areas within the airport. This guide provides a detailed overview of the smoking area locations at JKIA, ensuring that travelers are well-informed about where they can smoke before their flights or during layovers.
Overview of Smoking Policies at JKIA
At JKIA, smoking is strictly prohibited inside all public areas, including terminals, lounges, and boarding gates, except for the designated smoking zones. These restrictions comply with Kenyan law, which mandates smoking only in designated spaces to protect non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Travelers who wish to smoke are required to do so in clearly marked smoking zones, which are equipped with proper ventilation and facilities to ensure compliance with safety and cleanliness standards.
Designated Smoking Areas at JKIA
1. Terminal 1A – International Departures
In Terminal 1A, which handles most international flights, there are designated smoking areas both airside (after security) and landside (before security).
- Airside (After Security):
- There is a smoking lounge located near the departure gates. After clearing security and immigration, passengers can access this area while waiting for their flight. The lounge is clearly marked and provides a ventilated space with ashtrays.
- The smoking lounge is situated close to Gate 14, making it convenient for travelers in the vicinity. If you are departing from another gate, it is advisable to ask staff for directions to the nearest smoking area.
- Landside (Before Security):
- There is a designated outdoor smoking area near the terminal’s entrance. Passengers arriving at the airport who have not yet gone through security or those waiting for check-in can use this space.
- The outdoor smoking area is typically equipped with benches and ashtrays, providing a comfortable spot for travelers to smoke before entering the terminal building.
2. Terminal 1C – International Flights
Terminal 1C, which also handles international departures for airlines other than Kenya Airways, has its own designated smoking areas:
- Airside:
- After passing through security, there is a smoking room located near the boarding gates. This area is fully ventilated and marked with signs indicating that smoking is permitted inside.
- Landside:
- Outside the terminal building, before going through security, there is an outdoor smoking section. This is convenient for passengers checking in or waiting for transportation.
3. Terminal 1D – Domestic Flights
For passengers traveling on domestic flights, the designated smoking area is slightly different from the international terminals:
- Airside:
- After clearing security, there is a small smoking zone located near the domestic boarding gates. The area is marked and equipped with proper ventilation.
- Landside:
- Similar to the international terminals, there is an outdoor smoking area near the terminal entrance, providing a convenient location for passengers who wish to smoke before passing through security.
4. Terminal 2 – Low-Cost Carriers
Terminal 2 primarily serves low-cost carriers and regional flights. There is a designated smoking area for passengers in this terminal:
- Airside:
- Once through security, you can access a smoking room near the boarding area. The smoking lounge is fully equipped with ventilation systems to ensure a comfortable environment.
- Landside:
- As with the other terminals, an outdoor smoking area is available near the main entrance for passengers who haven’t yet checked in or passed through security.
Smoking in VIP Lounges
VIP travelers using the Kenya Airways Simba Lounge, Pride Lounge, or Turkish Airlines Lounge in Terminal 1A and 1C do not have dedicated smoking areas inside the lounges themselves, as these are non-smoking zones. However, passengers can use the designated smoking rooms located near the lounges.
For example, if you are in the Simba Lounge, the smoking room near Gate 14 is just a short walk away.
Smoking Area Facilities
The smoking areas at JKIA are equipped to ensure travelers can smoke in comfort without disturbing other passengers. Here’s what you can expect:
- Ventilation Systems: All indoor smoking areas and lounges have high-quality ventilation systems that remove smoke and maintain air quality.
- Ashtrays: Ashtrays are provided in all smoking areas, both indoor and outdoor, to keep the spaces clean and litter-free.
- Signage: Each smoking area is clearly marked with signs, ensuring that passengers can easily find them without confusion.
Rules for Smoking at JKIA
- Restricted to Designated Areas: Smoking is only allowed in the designated smoking zones mentioned above. Smoking outside of these areas, such as in restrooms, waiting areas, or gates, is prohibited and may result in fines or penalties.
- No Smoking on Jetways: Even if you are boarding the aircraft from an open jetway, smoking is strictly prohibited in this area.
- Time Management: If you plan to smoke before your flight, make sure to allow sufficient time to pass through security and reach your gate, especially if you are using the landside outdoor smoking areas.
- Respect for Non-Smokers: Always be mindful of fellow travelers, especially near the entrances to the smoking areas. Keep the doors to smoking lounges closed and avoid smoking near non-smoking passengers.
Tips for Smokers at JKIA
- Plan Your Time: If you are a smoker, it’s a good idea to factor in the time it will take to access the smoking areas, especially if you’re in a hurry or during peak travel times.
- Ask for Directions: While the smoking areas are generally easy to find, don’t hesitate to ask airport staff for directions if you are unsure of the nearest smoking zone.
- Respect Local Laws: Kenya has strict public smoking regulations, so it’s essential to comply with the airport’s designated smoking areas to avoid fines and penalties.
Conclusion
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) provides several designated smoking areas across its terminals, both airside and landside, to ensure smokers can enjoy a cigarette without disturbing non-smokers. Whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically, you’ll find convenient, well-ventilated spaces where smoking is permitted. Be sure to follow airport signage and regulations to ensure a smooth and compliant experience.
For more detailed information or assistance finding the smoking areas, feel free to consult with airport staff or visit JKIAirport.com, your resource for all things related to JKIA.
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