Can You Smoke at Airports in the UK? Rules for Smoking, Vaping & Nicotine Pouches

If you’re travelling soon and use nicotine, you might be wondering:

Can you smoke at airports in the UK?

The short answer:

• ❌ Smoking is not allowed inside airport terminals
• ❌ Vaping is also restricted indoors
• ✅ Nicotine pouches can be used discreetly in most situations

Here’s everything you need to know before your trip.

Heathrow Airport

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside terminal buildings, in line with UK smoke-free laws.
You can use designated smoking areas outside the terminal.
Once you pass through security, smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere in the airport.

Airport map: https://maps.heathrow.com/

Gatwick Airport

Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere inside the North or South Terminals.
Clearly marked smoking areas are available outside both terminals.

Airport map: https://www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/airport-maps.html

Birmingham Airport

Smoking and vaping are treated the same as cigarettes and are only allowed in designated outdoor smoking areas.

London Luton Airport

Vaping is not allowed anywhere except in the designated smoking area located outside the main terminal entrance.

Stansted Airport

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal building.
Designated outdoor smoking areas are available. Indoor vaping has been prohibited since August 2014.

Manchester Airport

All terminals provide outdoor smoking areas before check-in and after arrivals.

• Terminal 1 includes an airside smoking area near the food court
• Terminal 2 has a smoking area on the upper level of the departure lounge
• Terminal 3 advises using designated outdoor areas before check-in

Vaping is not permitted inside the airport.

Bristol Airport

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal building.
Both are only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas.

Edinburgh Airport

Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal building.
Designated outdoor smoking areas are available.

In general:

• Smoking & vaping → outdoor designated areas only
• Indoor use → not allowed

For exact locations, check airport maps before travelling.

Smoking is banned inside all enclosed public spaces in the UK—including airports.

This means:

• No smoking inside terminals
• No smoking in indoor waiting areas
• No smoking in boarding gates

However, most airports provide designated outdoor smoking areas.

These are usually located:

• Outside terminal entrances
• Before security
• Occasionally in specific outdoor zones

Vaping generally follows the same rules as smoking.

• ❌ Not allowed inside airport buildings
• ✅ Allowed only in designated smoking areas
• ❌ Not allowed on planes

Always follow airport signage and airline rules.

Yes — nicotine pouches can usually be used at airports.

Because they:

• Don’t produce smoke or vapour
• Don’t require combustion
• Are discreet

Many travellers use them:

• While waiting at the gate
• After passing security
• During flights (subject to airline policies)

To avoid stress at the airport:

• Check smoking areas in advance
• Allow time before security if you plan to smoke
• Follow airline rules for in-flight restrictions

For many travellers, nicotine pouches offer a more flexible option when flying.

QOLA nicotine pouches are designed for discreet use—making them suitable for travel situations where smoking or vaping isn’t practical.

• No smoke or vapour
• No need to leave your seat or queue
• Easy to carry and use