Saudis fine smokers as ban at airports begins

Sixteen smokers were caught at Jeddah International Airport early Sunday as Saudi Arabia implemented a smoking ban, an airport official said.

A 200-riyal ($53) fine has been set for violators in the country's 27 domestic and international terminals, except in designated smoking rooms, said Abdullah Rahimi, head of the General Authority for Civil Aviation.

Rahimi told reporters that he hoped the new measure would "help protect smokers' health and reduce harm to others," while urging airport staff to set an example by not lighting up.

Under the new regulations, airport employees face losing their security clearance if caught smoking in certain areas.

AFP