Berlin Brandenburg Airport Launches Final Terminal 1 Security Upgrade

BERLIN, Germany — Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg has officially commenced the final phase of its Terminal 1 security checkpoint modernisation programme, initiating comprehensive refurbishment works to equip central passenger screening areas with advanced computed tomography (CT) scanners. The airport operator confirmed that construction launched on 11 November 2026, targeting security control areas 2 and 4 located in the heart of the main Terminal 1 departure hall.

The project marks the culmination of an airport-wide technology upgrade designed to eliminate bottleneck delays and streamline departure screening for millions of annual European and international passengers.

Phased Installation in Central Check-in Hall

Under the engineering execution plan, infrastructure works are taking place sequentially to preserve continuous operational throughput. Contractors have begun dismantling legacy conventional screening lanes at checkpoint 2 before transitioning to checkpoint 4 in subsequent construction phases.

Historically, checkpoints 2 and 4 operated older two-dimensional X-ray equipment and were activated primarily during holiday peaks and morning flight banks to absorb overflow passenger queues. By transitioning these central screening banks to modern CT technology, airport authorities aim to achieve uniform operational capabilities across all departures facilities.

Seamless Screening for Electronics and Liquids

The deployment of CT technology delivers substantial efficiency gains for air travelers. Unlike legacy X-ray machines, three-dimensional CT imaging provides security personnel with high-resolution, rotatable 360-degree volumetric views of cabin luggage contents, automatically detecting hazardous substances and liquid explosives.

Consequently, passengers processed through upgraded lanes are no longer required to unpack portable electronic devices—such as laptops, tablets, and power banks—or remove compliant liquid toiletries from their carry-on bags. Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg previously modernized 24 security lanes across the northern and southern pavilions of Terminal 1 and throughout Terminal 2, establishing proven throughput enhancements ahead of the central hall rollout.

Redesigned Baggage Preparation Layout

In addition to new screening hardware, the terminal overhaul incorporates extensive civil reconfigurations of the pre-screening preparation zones. The airport is replacing older individual loading desks with lengthened, shared conveyor belts.

The spacious layout provides passengers with ample room to organize carry-on bags, outer coats, and travel accessories simultaneously. The continuous belt configuration allows prepared travelers to advance past slower passengers, preventing bottlenecks and accelerating checkpoint boarding card flow.

Operational Flexibility Across Terminals

Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg emphasized that airport operations will proceed without flight disruptions throughout the renovation. Departing passengers can monitor live checkpoint waiting times via the official BER mobile application, digital airport monitors, and terminal signage to select optimal screening areas.

Because all security checkpoints within Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 provide unrestricted post-security access to every departure gate, passengers retain complete flexibility to enter via open lanes in northern or southern pavilions. Aviation analysts note that the transition to an all-CT screening architecture firmly positions Berlin Brandenburg alongside leading European hubs in deploying next-generation passenger processing standards.