Belfast airport closes smoking area due to vandalism

Belfast International Airport has announced the closure of its airside smoking gallery due to "persistent vandalism". The external area, located in the airport's departure lounge after security, was accessible at a charge of £1. However on Wednesday, the airport said it has been left with "no option" but to close the area due to attacks. "We will be keeping the situation under review as we progress with our building works," a spokesperson said. The airport added that smoking will only be permitted in designated areas and in front of the terminal building. It was the last airport in Northern Ireland to have a smoking area within the terminal, with no facilities available at Belfast City Airport or City of Derry Airport.<br/>