Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH Enhances Services with Upgraded Security and Facilities

Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH is taking advantage of the quieter travel period to implement significant conversion work aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. Starting in November, the gradual replacement of security control technology in Terminal 1 will commence, introducing optimized screening lanes equipped with modern CT scanners. Similar to the advancements made in Terminal 2, these new scanners will allow passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their hand baggage during security checks.

Enhancements in Terminal Facilities

Additionally, a new catering facility is being developed at the departures level, replacing the previous airport information desk. The conversion of the border control area has already been completed, increasing the number of passport control counters and introducing easyPass facilities to streamline the process.

Timeline for Upgrades

The southern section of Terminal 1 is set to be fully equipped with new CT scanners by spring 2025, followed by the northern section, which will undergo conversion by autumn 2025. During this time, the first four control lanes will temporarily close, but to minimize waiting times, passengers are encouraged to check the current wait times via the airport’s website, the BER app, or on-site monitors. Furthermore, travelers can reserve a free time slot for security control in Terminal 1 using the BER Runway service. All departure gates in both terminals will remain accessible via any security control point.

Improved Passenger Flow

Once the upgrades are complete, passengers can expect a significant reduction in wait times at security checks. The new CT scanners will enhance the identification process for a variety of materials, allowing an average of 50 percent more passengers to be screened each hour without the need to remove liquids, smartphones, or other electronic devices from their hand baggage.

New Culinary Offerings

By spring 2025, a new spacious restaurant, “Adler & Bär,” will open directly below the red carpet in the check-in hall, offering passengers a diverse culinary experience in a stylish setting with an innovative lighting concept designed for different times of the day. The casual dining establishment will cater to friends and families accompanying travelers, providing a comfortable space before farewells. Meanwhile, the airport information desk will be relocated to a more central position, one level lower along the route from the railway station to the check-in hall.

Enhanced Border Control Capacity

The airport has also reorganized the border control area for departing passengers, increasing the overall capacity in the “Central Departure” area on the second level of Terminal 1. The waiting area has expanded from 220 square meters to 580 square meters, while the number of exit counters has increased from 10 to 24. Additionally, the easyPass automated border control lanes have doubled from five to ten, significantly improving processing times for travelers heading to non-Schengen countries.