Stewards were angry that they would have to abstain during flights while pilots would be allowed to puff away in the cockpit.

Their union, Cynika, demanded equal rights and threatened to ignore the ban if it was imposed.

Spokesman Costas Demetriou, a non-smoker, said: "The board's decision which says the flights are to be non-smoking with the exception of the cockpit is not fair.

"Can you imagine how a passenger or a steward who is not allowed to smoke would feel if the cockpit door opened and all that smoke gushed out."

Passengers 'support ban'

Cyprus Airways planned to introduce non-smoking flights to Athens and London Heathrow, its most popular destinations.

A passenger survey found 90% supported the ban, said airline spokesman Tassos Angeli.

He said: "We were due to introduce it on an experimental basis for two months but the stewards' union reacted."

The airline is trying to find a compromise solution but the union has warned that, even with an exemption clause for stewards, it may continue to oppose non-smoking flights.