Moscow Vnukovo International Airport (VKO) is one of Russia’s three major airports serving the capital. Good news for smokers: Vnukovo has multiple indoor smoking rooms in both domestic and international terminals, plus an IQOS lounge zone. This guide covers all smoking areas at VKO so you can find the nearest spot to your gate.

Indoor Smoking Rooms at Vnukovo Airport

Vnukovo Airport reopened its indoor smoking rooms in July 2021 after an 8-year hiatus. All smoking rooms are equipped with modern ventilation and air filtration systems. They are free to use and can accommodate up to 8 people.

International Departures (After Security)

The international departure area has four smoking rooms located at the following gates:

  • Gate 18/18A – Near the start of international departures

  • Gate 21/21A – Central location, convenient for most flights

  • Gate 24/24A – Mid-terminal area

  • Gates 28-29 – Between these gates at the far end of the terminal

These smoking rooms are clearly marked and located along the main corridor. You will pass several of them while walking to your gate.

Smoking Areas at International Departure - Moscow Vnukovo Airport - VKOMap showing smoking room locations in the International Departure area at Vnukovo Airport

Domestic Departures (After Security)

The domestic terminal has four smoking rooms at the following locations:

  • Gate 8/8A – Near the beginning of the domestic area

  • Gate 12/12A – Lower-mid section

  • Gate 15/15A – Upper-mid section

  • Gate 17/17A – End of the hall (can be slightly hidden)

IQOS Lounge Zone

Vnukovo has an IQOS lounge zone located in the international departures area near Gate 25. This branded lounge is exclusively for IQOS heated tobacco devices – regular cigarettes and vapes are not permitted here. The lounge offers product demonstrations, device charging, and cleaning services.

Art Lounge (Business Class)

The Art Lounge includes a dedicated smoking room for passengers. Located in Terminal A on the 2nd floor of the atrium (near the fountain area), this lounge is open 24 hours. Access is available through purchase, Priority Pass, or airline status.

Outdoor Smoking Areas

Outside the terminal, smoking is permitted only in designated areas located at least 15 meters from the building entrances and parking areas. Look for signs marked “Место для курения” (Smoking Area). Once you pass through security, you cannot exit to smoke outdoors, so use the indoor smoking rooms in the departure areas.

Tips for Smokers at Vnukovo Airport

  • Arrive with time to spare – Give yourself a few extra minutes to find a smoking room before boarding

  • International terminal is well-covered – With four smoking rooms plus the IQOS lounge, you are never far from a smoking spot

  • Domestic terminal too – Four smoking rooms spread across the gate area

  • Look for signs – Rooms are marked with “Место для курения” in Russian, often with English signage

  • Avoid fines – Smoking outside designated areas carries a fine of 500-1500 rubles

Информация на русском языке

Аэропорт Внуково (VKO) имеет несколько курительных комнат:

Международный терминал (после досмотра):

  • Курительные комнаты у выходов 18/18A, 21/21A, 24/24A и между 28-29

  • IQOS лаунж-зона возле выхода 25 (только для IQOS)

  • Art Lounge – курительная комната в бизнес-зале (Терминал А, 2-й этаж атриума)

Терминал внутренних рейсов (после досмотра):

  • Курительные комнаты у выходов 8/8A, 12/12A, 15/15A и 17/17A

На улице: Курение разрешено только в специально отведённых местах на расстоянии более 15 метров от здания. Штраф за курение в неположенном месте – 500-1500 рублей.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke inside Moscow Vnukovo Airport?

Yes, Vnukovo Airport has indoor smoking rooms in both terminals. The international departures area has smoking rooms at Gates 18, 21, 24, and between 28-29. The domestic terminal has rooms at Gates 8, 12, 15, and 17.

Where are the smoking rooms after security at Vnukovo Airport?

After security in international departures, smoking rooms are at Gates 18/18A, 21/21A, 24/24A, and between Gates 28-29. In domestic departures, find them at Gates 8/8A, 12/12A, 15/15A, and 17/17A.

Is there an IQOS lounge at Vnukovo Airport?

Yes, there is an IQOS lounge zone in the international departures area near Gate 25. This is exclusively for IQOS heated tobacco devices – regular cigarettes and vapes are not allowed here.

Does the Art Lounge at Vnukovo have a smoking area?

Yes, the Art Lounge at Vnukovo has a dedicated smoking room. The lounge is located in Terminal A on the 2nd floor of the atrium near the fountain area and is open 24 hours.

What is the fine for smoking in the wrong place at Vnukovo?

Smoking outside designated areas at Vnukovo Airport carries a fine of 500-1500 rubles. The airport has smoke detectors throughout, so only smoke in the official smoking rooms or outdoor designated areas.

Last updated: