Birmingham Airport Smoking Area
Article May 18, 2026 6 mins read

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.

Birmingham Airport designated smoking area outside terminal

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. 

Birmingham Airport vaping rules and smoking area

  • 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Birmingham Airport have a smoking area?

Yes, the designated smoking areas are located outside the front of the terminal building, before security.

Is there a smoking area in Birmingham Airport after security?

No, smoking is strictly prohibited inside the terminal building, toilets, restaurants, lounges, and boarding gates.

Are there smoking lounges inside Birmingham Airport?

No, there is no dedicated smoking lounge inside the Birmingham Airport.

Are smoking signs clearly marked at Birmingham Airport?

Yes, designated smoking areas are marked with signage.

Can I carry vape devices in checked luggage at Birmingham Airport?

No, vaping devices are only allowed in hand luggage.

Can I step outside to smoke after security at BHX and then come back in?

Yes, but you must exit through arrivals and clear the entire security screening process again.

Howard Page

About Howard Page

Howard Page is a U.S.-based travel journalist with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked on guidebooks, documentaries, and reports across more than 20 countries. He’s driven by discovering new places. When he encounters something outside the everyday, his curiosity kicks in, his focus sharpens, and his mind feels more alert than usual.