Belfast International Airport has said it has taken the decision to close its smoking area in departures due to "persistent vandalism".
The airport has said that it was "left with no other option" but to close smoking area, although the move has disappointed many people.
The airport issued a short statement on social media about the closure of the smoking area, without giving an explanation why, which annoyed hundreds of people with many branding the move as "a disgrace", as over 1,000 people commented in under an hour.
Read more: NI health experts issue wood burning stoves warning amid call for tighter regulations
Read more: EasyJet Belfast passenger's luggage 'arrives with £2,000 worth of items missing'
Belfast International Airport said on social media: "We have taken the decision to close the smoking gallery situated in airside departures area. Smoking will only be permitted in designated smoking areas at the front of the terminal building."
Now the airport has given clarification on the decision, which it says will remain under review, and that the move was made due to the smoking area being vandalised.
A Belfast International Airport spokesperson said: "Following persistent vandalism, we have been left with no option but to close the smoking gallery situated in the airside departures area. We will be keeping the situation under review as we progress with our building works.
“Smoking remains permitted in the designated areas and at the front of the terminal building.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·