Huge influx of approximately 3.7 million tourists anticipated at BER during holiday season

Huge influx of approximately 3.7 million tourists anticipated at BER during holiday season

Berlin, July 2025 - Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is gearing up for a surge in travelers during the summer holidays, with an anticipated 3.7 million passengers expected to pass through its terminals between July 23 and September 7, 2025 [3][4]. These increased numbers will undoubtedly have an impact on the airport, roads, and railways.

Impact on the Airport

To manage the influx of passengers, BER is deploying 20 CT scanners at Terminals 1 and 2 by the holiday start, which will help streamline security checks [3][4]. Additionally, more than 120 self-check-in machines are available for passengers to use. With over 70 airlines connecting BER to 150 destinations in 50 countries, popular destinations include Mediterranean spots like Spain, Turkey, Italy, and France [3][4]. To reduce congestion at check-in counters, the airport has implemented Fast Bag Drop services.

Impact on Roads

The significant increase in passenger numbers is likely to cause increased traffic around the airport, especially during peak travel times. Passengers are advised to arrive early at the correct terminal to avoid delays. Motorists should expect longer travel times and congestion, particularly during the main wave of travel from the north and northeast of the country, which is expected to start on Saturday, July 26th.

Impact on Railways

The increased demand for travel could also strain the local railway network, as many passengers may choose to use trains for their journey to and from the airport. Railway operators may need to adjust their schedules or capacity to accommodate the extra passengers traveling to BER.

In preparation for the busy summer season, Berlin's capital airport is taking steps to ensure a smooth travel experience for passengers. The new security scanners, CT scanners, allow passengers to avoid unpacking electronics or liquids separately, reducing possible waiting times. Passengers can book a time slot online for the security check to get to the gate even faster [3][4]. The Berlin-Brandenburg Airport Company (FBB) anticipates around 100,000 more passengers than in the summer holidays of 2024 [5].

Construction work will also take place during the third holiday week, including the renewal of switches and rails around Schönhauser Allee station. Passengers are advised to check the S-Bahn's website for restrictions on numerous lines in the coming weeks [6]. The S-Bahn will have restrictions on numerous lines in the coming weeks [7].

In summary, the influx of travelers during the summer holidays will present challenges for Berlin Brandenburg Airport, as well as for the surrounding transportation infrastructure. Efficient management of passenger flow and increased capacity in both road and rail networks will be crucial to minimizing disruptions. The airport and transportation authorities encourage passengers to plan their travels carefully, check for updates, and arrive early to ensure a smooth journey.

Taking the increased passenger numbers into account, Berlin Brandenburg Airport has introduced Fast Bag Drop services at check-in counters to minimize delays. Furthermore, many passengers traveling to popular Mediterranean destines like Spain, Turkey, Italy, and France may find the airport's self-check-in machines useful for a smoother travel experience during the summer holidays.

Read also: