Saturday, July 13, 2024
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As the summer holidays approach in Berlin and Brandenburg, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB) is well-prepared to handle the influx of travelers. Between July 17 and September 1, 2024, the airport anticipates welcoming approximately 3.6 million passengers—200,000 more than the previous summer. During this period, around 24,000 aircraft are expected to take off or land at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), marking an increase of 2,000 flights compared to last summer.
Peak travel days, typically Fridays and Sundays, are projected to see between 80,000 and 85,000 passengers each day. Specifically, from Wednesday, July 17, to Sunday, July 21, about 390,000 passengers will pass through BER, including around 86,000 on Friday alone.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, FBB has optimized and expanded its terminal services. The BER Runway program, which allows passengers to book access to security control, now offers several thousand slots daily. Additionally, BER Biometrics, a contactless facial recognition service, was launched on July 1. Many airlines now provide fast bag drop options, with over 120 machines available for baggage check-in across both terminals.
This summer, BER will offer direct flights to 144 destinations in about 50 countries. Mediterranean hotspots remain top choices, with Spain, Turkey, Italy, France, and Greece being particularly popular. Majorca leads the pack with around 900 connections, followed closely by Antalya on the Turkish Mediterranean coast with 840 connections.
Ryanair tops the list of airlines with the most flights, boasting approximately 4,300 take-offs and landings. EasyJet follows with around 3,600 flights, and Eurowings with 2,500.
New destinations for this summer include Salerno in Italy (served by easyJet), Tunis in Tunisia, Adana in Turkey, and Casablanca in Morocco (served by Eurowings). SunExpress has also added Diyarbakir and Kayseri to its Turkish flight schedule.
FBB’s enhanced services and extensive flight options aim to provide travelers with a stress-free start to their summer holidays.
Aletta von Massenbach, Chief Executive Officer of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH: “We have prepared carefully for the summer holidays and expanded our digital services at the airport once again. The entire team is looking forward to helping holiday guests and families as they start their holidays. Passengers using our BER Runway, fast bag drop and BER Biometrics services can make their stay at BER even more reliable and travel without any stress.”
Travel Tips for a Smooth Holiday Journey: Berlin Brandenburg Airport’s Recommendations
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) advises holiday travelers to arrive at their respective terminals two and a half hours before departure. Utilizing digital services can significantly enhance your airport experience:
BER Runway: Passengers can book a time slot for security control access up to seven days before their flight, ensuring a wait time of less than ten minutes.
BER Biometrics: Since early July, passengers can use contactless services through facial recognition. By downloading the SmartDepart app and registering, travelers automatically receive a slot for BER Runway two hours before their selected time slot. They can also print their baggage label at designated machines or access Lounge Tegel using BER Biometrics.
Fast Bag Drop: For those checking in online via an app or their airline’s website, this is the most convenient option. Passengers with only carry-on baggage can head straight to security. Over 120 self-check-in machines are available in the terminals, allowing travelers to print baggage labels and check in their baggage. Several airlines offer this service.
Lounges: Lounge Tegel offers a special promotion during the holidays. Using the promo code “SUMMER24,” guests can save EUR 7 per online booking, reducing the admission fee to just EUR 29. Both Tegel and Tempelhof lounges feature a large buffet with hot and cold dishes and a wide selection of drinks.
With these services and recommendations, BER aims to ensure a seamless and stress-free travel experience for all passengers.
