Smoking Area at Birmingham Airport?

If you're heading to Birmingham Airport and wondering whether you can have a smoke before your flight, you’re not alone. Many travellers want to know: is there a smoking area at Birmingham Airport?

Yes—but only before security. Once you pass through security, there is no smoking area airside, meaning you won’t be able to smoke until you reach your destination.

Here’s what you need to know about smoking (and vaping) at Birmingham Airport.

Smoking at Birmingham Airport – Landside (Before Security)

There is a designated outdoor smoking area at Birmingham Airport before you go through security. You’ll find it:

• Outside the terminal building, near the main entrance

• Clearly signposted and equipped with ashtrays

• Open to anyone dropping off, arriving, or waiting to check in

This is the only place you can smoke or vape legally on airport grounds. Smoking is not allowed just outside the doors or along the drop-off zones—only within the designated area.

Smoking Airside (After Security)

There are no smoking areas after security at Birmingham Airport.

Once you’ve gone through the security checkpoint:

• You cannot smoke or vape anywhere inside the departure lounge

• There are no smoking terraces or rooms

• If you leave to smoke, you’ll have to go through security again—and may not be allowed back in depending on your airline or timing

For this reason, if you want to smoke, do so before entering the security queue.

Can You Vape at Birmingham Airport?

Vaping is treated the same as smoking at Birmingham Airport. You can only vape in the designated outdoor smoking area before security. E-cigarettes cannot be used indoors or anywhere after security.

If you're carrying a vape, remember:

• You can bring e-cigarettes in your hand luggage, but not in checked bags

• Most airlines require batteries and devices to be carried in the cabin

• Liquids (including vape juice) must follow the 100ml rule and be placed in a clear bag for security screening

Final Tips

• Smoke before you go through security—there’s no going back out once you’re in

• Plan ahead if you have a long wait or connecting flight

• Don’t try to vape indoors, even discreetly—airport staff take it seriously and you may be asked to leave

• For nicotine cravings after security, consider nicotine gum or patches, which are available at most airport pharmacies

Final Word

Birmingham Airport does have a smoking area—but only outside the terminal, before security. Once you're through to departures, there are no smoking or vaping zones, so plan ahead if you need a last cigarette before flying.

Safe travels—and if you're flying smoke-free, now might be the perfect time to start cutting back.