Yes, the Fuerteventura Airport has smoking areas: the terminal offers several open-air designated smoking terraces. According to Aena, the airport’s operator, the terminal has seven designated smoking zones in total — four of them landside, before security, and three airside, once you’re through the checks. The airport also has a private terrace inside the VIP Jable Lounge.
General rules on smoking in Spanish airports
Spain’s National Law 28/2005 (Chapter II, Article 8, point f) and Law 42/2010 (Article 7, point q) both prohibit smoking inside Spanish airports; however, they do allow outdoor smoking areas to be set up outside the terminal buildings.
Smoking banned indoors
Smoking is completely banned inside Spanish airport terminals or any other enclosed space within them, including check-in halls, corridors, toilets, departure lounges, boarding gates, staircases, VIP lounges and any other indoor area.
Vaping and e-cigarettes at the airport
Vapes and e-cigarettes fall under the same rules as traditional cigarettes, so these devices cannot be used inside airport buildings or any enclosed spaces. To use them, you’ll need to head to the designated smoking areas.
Conditions for outdoor smoking areas
To use the smoking areas at Spanish airports, certain conditions must be met, including:
- Only smoke within the designated smoking area.
- Dispose of cigarette butts and waste in the ashtrays provided.
- Do not linger near doors or emergency exits.
- Respect the airport’s opening hours and any other rules set out by the terminal.
Smoking at Fuerteventura Airport: is it allowed?
At Fuerteventura’s terminal, the seven designated smoking zones are split between landside, before security, and airside, once you’ve passed through the security checks.
Before security: four outdoor smoking zones
Contrary to what many travellers expect, Fuerteventura Airport does have designated smoking zones before security. There are four in total: an open-air terrace on the ground floor, a zone facing Car Park P1, and two further zones just outside the terminal’s entrance doors.
After security: the terraces near the boarding gates
Once through security, there are three more designated smoking zones: two are on the first floor, next to Terraza San Miguel and the Oasis Bar — the airport’s two free-access terraces, which also have food and drink options — and the third is located in front of gates 21 and 22.
Opening hours of the smoking terraces
The smoking terraces open from the first departure of the day and close after the last flight, meaning they’re available throughout the airport’s operating hours. That said, they may occasionally close for maintenance.
Location of the smoking areas at Fuerteventura Airport
With seven zones spread across the terminal, it’s worth checking the map below to find the one closest to your gate.
Fuente gráficas: https://www.aena.es/es/fuerteventura/servicios-del-aeropuerto/categorias/otros-servicios.html#zonadefumadores%22%3E
Advantages of the smoking area at Fuerteventura Airport
The main advantages of the dedicated smoking areas at Fuerteventura Airport include:
- As the areas are close to the boarding gates, there’s less risk of missing or being delayed for your flight.
- Some terraces are located near restaurants and cafés, letting passengers enjoy both at the same time.
- Because the areas are clearly defined, cigarette smoke doesn’t bother other passengers.
- They help smokers manage stress and ease any anxiety before their flight.
Control and security measures
Aena, the company responsible for managing Spain’s airports, keeps the smoking areas under constant supervision and control.
The terraces are fitted with CCTV systems under constant monitoring, allowing staff to respond quickly to any incident. Cigarette butts must always be disposed of in the ashtrays to prevent fires.
During peak travel periods, access to the terraces is monitored more closely.
Alternatives if you don’t wish to use the terraces
If you’d rather not use the smoking terraces or simply can’t, you have a few options: leave the building before going through security, use nicotine products such as patches or gum, wait until you reach your destination, or head to the VIP Jable Lounge, which has its own private smoking terrace.
Comparison with other smoking areas in Canary Islands airports
Several airports across the Canary Islands have terraces or designated smoking areas, but Fuerteventura Airport offers the most convenient set-up for its passengers.
Smoking areas at other Canary Islands airports
Compared with Lanzarote Airport, which also has two smoking terraces, one of them requires you to buy something from the bar to gain access, whereas both terraces at Fuerteventura are completely free to use.
Meanwhile, Tenerife South Airport has just one smoking terrace, and access is limited to passengers with a VIP ticket; any other passenger wishing to use it must pay a fee of over 40 €.
Common restrictions across the region
The common smoking restrictions across all airports in the Canary Islands are regulated by Aena and the Government of the Canary Islands.
Key rules include a ban on smoking or vaping in transit areas such as jet bridges, runways, staircases and similar spaces.
Smoking is also banned near the airport’s entrance doors and at bus or taxi stops — it’s only allowed in the areas specifically marked for it.
As for carrying lighters and matches, you’re only permitted to carry one small lighter or one box of matches on your person; jet lighters are not allowed.
Tips for smokers travelling to Fuerteventura
Before travelling, it’s worth checking the airport’s website for details on smoking areas, opening hours, rules and restrictions. Here are a few tips for smokers:
- Pack your luggage carefully, placing lighters, liquids and vape batteries wherever the airport’s rules require.
- Always locate the designated smoking areas; breaking this rule can result in a fine.
- Don’t exceed the cigarette limit you’re allowed to carry, which is around 800 cigarettes.
Frequently asked questions about smoking at Fuerteventura airport
Is there a smoking area before security at Fuerteventura airport?
Yes, Fuerteventura Airport has four designated smoking zones before security: an open-air terrace on the ground floor, a zone facing Car Park P1, and two zones just outside the terminal’s entrance doors.
Can I vape at Fuerteventura airport?
Yes, you can vape at Fuerteventura Airport, but only within the designated smoking areas.
How much is the fine for smoking in a non-designated area?
The fine for smoking in a non-designated area depends on how serious the offence is. Minor offences carry a fine of 30 € to 600 €; serious offences range from 601 € to 10,000 €; and very serious offences can reach between 10,001 € and 600,000 €.
Is there a VIP lounge with a smoking terrace?
Yes, Fuerteventura Airport has a premium lounge called the VIP Jable Lounge, which includes a private smoking terrace.
Conclusion: smoking at Fuerteventura airport, made simple
Travelling to Fuerteventura as a smoker is no problem at all, thanks to the airport’s several open-air smoking terraces. Of all the Canary Islands airports, this is the one that offers passengers the most convenience, though everyone must still strictly follow the rules on tobacco and vaping. If you need a safe, reliable transfer service when you land, get in touch.
References
- https://www.aena.es/es/fuerteventura/servicios-del-aeropuerto/categorias/otros-servicios.html#zonadefumadores
- https://www.boe.es/buscar/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2005-21261
- https://smokingairports.com/es/airports/fuerteventura-airport
- https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/2010/BOE-A-2010-20138-consolidado.pdf
Specialist in the tourism sector of the Canary Islands with a proven track record in experience management in Lanzarote. My work has always focused on promoting iconic destinations and optimizing transfer and excursion services on the volcanic island.
