Where is the Birmingham Airport Smoking Area Located?
Birmingham Airport follows UK no-smoking laws, which means smoking is prohibited inside the terminal, including toilets, restaurants, lounges, and boarding gates. The only designated Birmingham Airport smoking area is outside the terminal building before the security check. Passengers who wish to smoke before departure should use the designated smoking areas before entering the security area. After passing through security, there are no dedicated areas inside the airport. Violating the rules may result in fines, boarding delays, or removal from the airport.
Is There A Smoking Area in Birmingham Airport?
Under UK no-smoking laws, smoking is not allowed inside the terminal or any indoor public areas. Smoking is allowed only in selected outdoor areas at the airport before security.
Outdoor Smoking Zone at Birmingham Airport
The outdoor Birmingham Airport smoking area is located outside the front of the terminal building. Follow the clearly marked signs to access these areas. Smoking is not permitted near doors or under covered walkways. Therefore, stay within the marked smoking area.
Post-Security Smoking Area at Birmingham Airport
Previously, smoking was permitted on an outdoor terrace attached to the Meriden Bar (renamed The Factory Bar and Kitchen), near Gates 1-20. But during Next Generation security and terminal transformation projects in 2025-26, this terrace was closed or restricted to a non-smoking zone. So, currently, there is no indoor Birmingham airport smoking lounge.
Birmingham Airport Smoking Policy During Long Layover
Passengers on long layovers can exit the terminal and use the designated outdoor smoking areas. After smoking, they need to clear the security check process again to re-enter the terminal. It may cause delays or even missing connecting flights. It’s better to use airport lounges, restaurants, or nearby hotels to make the layover more comfortable while waiting for the next flight.
Birmingham Airport Vaping Regulations
The airport treats vaping the same as smoking. E-cigarettes and vape devices can only be used in a designated smoking area at Birmingham Airport outside the terminal.
Indoor vaping is prohibited.
Using a vaping device or e-cigarettes can trigger alarms.
Vape liquids must follow the UK 100ml liquid rule.
Spare batteries should not be placed in checked baggage.
What Happens if Someone Smokes Inside the BHX?
Smoking inside the restricted or public areas may result in:
Verbal warnings from the staff
Fines or penalties
Delays during boarding
Possible removal from the airport in serious cases
Tips for Smokers Travelling Through Birmingham Airport
Here are some practical tips for smoking at the airport:
Use only the designated outdoor Birmingham airport smoking area.
Arrive early enough to avoid rushing between smoking breaks and security checks.
Use alternatives like Nicotine gum or patches during long flights or extended waiting times.
Stay only in the marked areas.
Security staff may ask passengers to remove vape devices during screening.
Try to return a rental car at Birmingham Airport early to use the smoking area before the security check process.
Wrapping Up!
Like many UK airports, Birmingham Airport follows no-smoking laws. The designated outdoor Birmingham airport smoking areas are located outside the terminal near the entrance. Therefore, arrive early and plan accordingly to use the smoking zone before security to avoid delay.