Smoking lounges are an integral part of modern airport infrastructure, providing designated smoking areas that enhance passenger comfort while maintaining a smoke-free environment throughout the rest of the terminal. These facilities are particularly valuable for international travellers, transit passengers, and those with extended layovers, offering a dedicated space that complies with health and safety regulations.
Beyond passenger convenience, smoking lounges contribute to an airport’s non-aeronautical revenue through concession agreements. Airports typically award these concessions to specialized operators responsible for designing, operating, and maintaining the lounges in accordance with airport standards. Modern airport smoking lounges are equipped with advanced ventilation and air filtration systems to ensure minimal impact on surrounding passenger areas.
At major airports such as Chennai International Airport, smoking lounges form an important component of the commercial ecosystem, complementing retail, food & beverage, lounges, and other passenger services. As airports continue to expand and enhance passenger experience, professionally managed smoking lounge facilities remain an essential airport amenity and a specialized concession opportunity.
Concessionaire
The smoking lounge concession at Chennai International Airport is operated by Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd., which manages smoking lounge facilities across both the domestic and international terminals under separate concession agreements awarded by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
International Terminal
| Parameter | Details |
| Terminal | Terminal 2 (International) |
| Concessionaire | Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd. |
| Total Smoking Lounges | 3 |
| Contract Duration | 5 Years |
| Awarded Year | 2023 |
Domestic Terminals
| Parameter | Details |
| Terminals | Terminals 1 & 4 (Domestic) |
| Concessionaire | Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd. |
| Total Smoking Lounges | 5 |
| Contract Duration | 5 Years |
| Awarded Year | 2022 |
Buddy Retail Pvt. Ltd. currently operates a total of eight smoking lounges across Chennai International Airport, serving both domestic and international passengers. The concession supports the airport’s objective of providing dedicated passenger amenities while maintaining a safe, regulated, and smoke-free terminal environment.