Yes, there is a smoking area at Birmingham Airport, but access is limited and strictly controlled. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor spaces, and once you pass through security, your options are very restricted. The airport follows UK smoke-free legislation, which prohibits smoking inside terminals and public indoor spaces. However, the airport does provide a smoking area for passengers before security and a small outdoor smoking zone after security.
Smoking Before Security
Before going through security, passengers can smoke outside the terminal building in clearly marked areas. These are located near the entrances and exits and are fitted with ashtrays and signage. Smoking is not allowed under covered walkways or near doors, so you must stay within the designated boundaries. This is the only point where traditional smoking is straightforward and accessible, so passengers are advised to take advantage of this space before heading to departures.
Smoking After Security
After passing through security at Birmingham Airport, smoking is only allowed in one designated airside smoking area. This is an outdoor terrace attached to the departure lounge, accessible near Gates 1–20. The terrace is accessible to all passengers flying from the main departure lounge and includes seating and space to smoke before boarding. The area is clearly signposted and is the only permitted location for smoking after security.
There is no smoking area available in the international gates for long-haul departures beyond Gate 40. If your flight departs from that section of the terminal, you won’t have access to any smoking facilities once you pass through to that zone. For this reason, it’s advised to plan accordingly and use the designated smoking terrace earlier in your journey if needed.
Vaping at Birmingham Airport
Vaping is treated the same as smoking throughout Birmingham Airport. E-cigarettes are not allowed to be used inside the terminal, including restaurants, shops, and waiting areas. Vaping is only permitted in the same outdoor smoking areas before and after security. Attempting to vape in non-smoking zones may lead to warnings or penalties, as the airport enforces a strict no-smoking policy indoors.
Smoking Alternatives
If you’re facing a long wait or layover and are trying to cut down on smoking, nicotine pouches, gum, and lozenges are permitted and can be used throughout the terminal. These smokeless alternatives offer a way to manage cravings without breaking airport rules or leaving the terminal area.
Summary
Birmingham Airport does have a designated smoking area, but it’s limited to an outdoor space before security and a single terrace after security near Gates 1–20. There are no smoking areas in the long-haul or international departure zones, and smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Vaping is subject to the same restrictions. Passengers should plan accordingly and make use of the smoking areas early if needed before boarding.