Belfast International Airport has begun charging passengers £1 if they want to have a cigarette before their departure.
The airport issued a statement this week saying: “We recognised that there was a demand for a smoking facility from some customers given that all public places (including airports) are now, and have been for a number of years, non-smoking.
“We are responding to that demand. However, providing a specialist facility for a relatively small number of users is expensive to build and to maintain so it is not unreasonable that a small charge should be levied for the use of the facility.”
Passengers who want to smoke but don’t want to pay can have a cigarette outside the terminal building, but this is landside.
Once they go through to airside, they have to pay the fee.
Last July, Belfast International began charging passengers a £1 drop-off fee when arriving by car. The airport also charges £1 for plastic bags to clear liquid items through security.
By Bev Fearis
* Do you agree with the smoking charge? Share your views by clicking on ADD A COMMENT below
