Belfast International Airport has been criticised after introducing a £1 charge for smokers who chose to smoke before they board their flight.

The controversial tobacco tax comes less than a year after the airport met with protest from frequent flyers over the introduction a £1 drop-off fee.

Smokers have had to pay £1 to enter a specially constructed smoking area in order to have a cigarette before boarding.

The airport is the first to introduce such a charge and has been slammed for it.

Outgoing Assemblywoman Dawn Purvis, a former smoker, described the charge as "ridiculous."

She commented: "I used to smoke before I got on a flight and it used to calm me down. Most people who smoke know it’s going to be a long time before they get another smoke, so they go for a puff before they get on the plane. I also think they are taking advantage of people’s anxiety before they fly because some people have a smoke before they fly to calm them down. It's also an extra charge on people at the airport."

A spokesman for the airport said: "It had to be specially constructed off the side of the building and effectively that allows people to be in a secure area of the airport but still be outside. Providing a specialist facility is expensive to maintain, so it is not unreasonable that a small charge should be levied."

The smoking area consists of a space surrounded by a mesh-like construction, which while a secure area of the airport still leaves smokers exposed to the outside elements.

The £1 charge opens doors to the special smoking area, which passengers access near the main duty free concourse area.

(JG/KMcA)