Belfast International Airport has made the difficult decision to permanently close its airside smoking gallery in the departure lounge, citing ongoing issues of vandalism. The area, which was one of the few smoking zones available to passengers after passing through security, has been a subject of repeated attacks, leaving the airport with no alternative but to shut it down.
The smoking gallery, located outdoors and accessible for a nominal fee of £1, had served as a designated spot for smokers waiting to board their flights. While the fee was intended to cover the maintenance and operational costs of the area, persistent damage rendered upkeep unsustainable.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Belfast International Airport emphasized that the closure was not a decision taken lightly. “We understand the inconvenience this may cause to our passengers who rely on this facility,” the airport said, “but the repeated acts of vandalism have left us with no choice. Maintaining the area in its current condition has become impractical and costly.”
The airport did not provide specific details on the nature or frequency of the vandalism, but incidents are believed to include damage to fixtures, improper disposal of waste, and other disruptive behavior. These issues not only created safety and maintenance challenges but also posed risks to the overall passenger experience.
Mixed Reactions from Passengers
The closure has drawn mixed reactions from travelers. Many smokers expressed frustration over the loss of the facility, which they viewed as a reasonable compromise in accommodating their needs within a smoke-free airport environment.
“I understand why they’ve closed it, but it’s disappointing,” said one passenger who frequently uses the airport. “Not everyone has time to step outside for a cigarette before going through security, especially if they have connecting flights or tight schedules.”
Conversely, non-smokers have welcomed the decision. Some passengers had previously raised concerns about smoke drifting into other areas of the departure lounge despite the gallery being outdoors. Others argued that the space could be repurposed to provide more seating or amenities for the general public.
The closure of the smoking gallery at Belfast International Airport highlights the challenges that public spaces face in balancing inclusivity with operational practicality. Airports worldwide have been grappling with the issue of accommodating smokers while maintaining a safe, clean, and pleasant environment for all passengers.
Some airports have opted to phase out smoking areas entirely, citing health and environmental considerations, while others have introduced stricter measures to ensure these spaces are well-maintained. For Belfast International, the decision underscores a growing trend of prioritizing passenger safety and overall facility management over maintaining designated smoking zones.
The airport has not announced any immediate plans to replace the smoking gallery with alternative facilities, leaving passengers with few options other than stepping outside the terminal before passing through security. In its statement, the airport encouraged passengers to plan accordingly and noted that support is available for those looking to reduce or quit smoking.
While the decision may not please everyone, it serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility passengers have in preserving public facilities. As Belfast International Airport moves forward, the hope is that this step will contribute to a safer and more enjoyable experience for all travelers.
