Travel
Berlin airport speeds up CT scanner rollout for faster security checks
Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has announced the successful early completion of a major phase in its ongoing security upgrade program, marking a significant enhancement to passenger experience. All security lanes in Control Area 1, located in the northern section of Terminal 1, are now operational and equipped with advanced computed tomography (CT) screening technology. This milestone means 24 lanes across the airport now feature the new system, allowing the majority of passengers to pass through security without the need to remove laptops or liquids from their carry-on baggage.
The activation of the final four lanes in Control Area 1 this week concludes this stage of the project several months ahead of the original schedule. This accelerated timeline is part of a concerted effort by the airport operator, Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH (FBB, to modernize its facilities and drastically reduce waiting times. The rollout began earlier this year, with Terminal 2’s eight lanes and Control Area 5 in Terminal 1's South Pavilion already fully converted to the new CT scanners.
The benefits of this investment were immediately evident during the recent busy holiday travel period. Aletta von Massenbach, Chief Executive Officer of FBB, noted, “The past few weeks have shown that the investment and effort involved in the renovation have been worthwhile. The vast majority of travellers were able to pass through security controls with waiting times of less than ten minutes, and thus enjoy a stress-free start to their holidays.” The early completion of the northern area underscores the airport's commitment to operational efficiency.
Despite the hardware installation being complete, a crucial software update for some of the new CT scanners is still pending. Until this update is fully deployed across all new lanes, the airport continues to advise a cautious approach. Passengers are recommended to adhere to the standard liquid restrictions—containers no larger than 100ml held within a single, transparent one-litre bag—unless explicitly instructed otherwise by security staff at a fully updated lane.
It is important for travellers to note that not all security checkpoints at BER have been upgraded. Conventional X-ray scanners remain in use at 18 lanes in the central hall of Terminal 1, where the old rules for liquids and electronics fully apply. Furthermore, the dedicated lanes for the free BER Runway timed-slot service in Control Area 4 also still use the older technology. Planning is currently underway for the renovation of these remaining areas.
To navigate the different technologies and ensure the smoothest possible journey, the airport strongly recommends passengers use its digital tools. Real-time waiting times for each control area are displayed on terminal monitors, the official BER website, and the BER app. As all boarding gates are accessible from any security checkpoint, passengers can make an informed choice to use the most efficient lane available.
This strategic deployment of CT technology positions BER as a modern, passenger-friendly hub. By streamlining the security process, the airport aims to reduce pre-flight stress and congestion, making the start of a journey from Berlin as seamless as the technology now installed in its terminals. The continued expansion of this program signals a clear move towards a fully modernized security screening process in the near future.Hamburg, Germany
