A smoking article (2) comprises a combustible heat source (4) with opposed front and rear faces and at least one airflow channel (16) extending from the front face to the rear face of the combustible heat source (4) and an aerosol-forming substrate (6) comprising at least one aerosol former downstream of the combustible heat source (4). A non-metallic, non-combustible, gas-resistant, first barrier coating (14) is provided on substantially the entire rear face of the combustible heat source (4).