Published on
December 20, 2025
By: Paramita Sarkar
As the Christmas holidays approach, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is bracing for an influx of travelers. The airport company forecasts a record-breaking over one million passengers will pass through BER between December 19, 2025 and January 4, 2026. This marks another busy holiday season for the airport, which will see an estimated 7,300 aircraft taking off and landing over this period. Passengers are expected to flood in from various parts of the world, including the UAE, USA, Spain, France, and Germany, making it crucial for travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for the busy days ahead.
Where Are These Passengers Coming From?
Travelers are expected to arrive from various destinations, with the most popular travel spots including Spain, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey, and France. BER will be the primary departure point for these passengers, with flights connecting Berlin to 124 destinations in 49 countries. The holiday season sees a considerable number of travelers flying to and from cities in the UAE, USA, and Europe, contributing to the airport’s busiest time of the year.
What Is the Expected Volume of Traffic?
From December 19 to 21, 2025, BER Airport expects about 220,000 passengers to pass through its terminals, with Friday, December 19 being the busiest travel day of the holiday season. On that day alone, 79,000 passengers are anticipated to arrive and depart from the airport. These numbers indicate a slight increase in traffic compared to previous holiday seasons, and passengers should prepare for longer waiting times at security and check-in.
Throughout the Christmas holidays, 7,300 aircraft will operate from BER. This means there will be a constant flow of passengers and baggage, as well as heightened security measures to ensure smooth operations during the peak period. Travelers are encouraged to follow updated guidelines and take advantage of available services to make their journey easier.
What Services Are Available for Travelers at BER?
To help passengers during the busy Christmas season, BER Airport has made several services available to ensure smooth travel. Shops in both terminals are stocked with last-minute gifts, and many will remain open until at least 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and public holidays. Heinemann Duty Free will operate up until the last flight departs, allowing passengers to pick up gifts on their way out.
For travelers looking for groceries, the Rewe supermarket in Terminal 1 will remain open until 9 p.m. on December 24 and 31. In addition, Kamps Bakery will offer fresh baked goods 24 hours a day, so you can pick up a snack or a treat during your wait.
Passengers can also enjoy a pre-Christmas atmosphere in the terminals. An eight-meter-high Nordmann fir tree, beautifully decorated with 3,500 LED lights, stands at Willy-Brandt-Platz, right in front of Terminal 1. Felice & Cortes, an artist duo, will perform music and artistry on December 18 in the central market square, adding to the festive ambiance. Additionally, volunteers from BER Airport will be present to help travelers navigate the terminals.
What Are the Travel Tips for Passengers?
Given the high volume of travelers, BER Airport offers several travel tips to make the process smoother for passengers:
- Check-in online in advance to save time at the airport.
- Arrive early, especially during the busy holiday period.
- Follow your airline’s instructions and confirm your flight details on the BER app.
- Pre-book parking spaces online, as spots fill up quickly during the holiday rush.
- Use the Fast Bag Drop for quicker baggage handling at the airport. Over 120 self-check-in machines are available to streamline the process.
- Monitor waiting times for security checks, available via the BER app or monitors in the terminal.
For passengers traveling with hand luggage, they can proceed directly to the security checks. BER Airport has CT scanners installed in security areas, which means passengers will not need to remove liquids or electronic devices from their bags.
What Should Passengers Know About Public Transport?
For those arriving or departing from Berlin city center, the airport is easily accessible via public transport. The FEX and RE20 trains now run up to five times an hour, reaching BER in about 23 minutes from Hauptbahnhof and 14 minutes from Südkreuz. Other options include regional trains from Hohenschönhausen, Lichtenberg, and Ostkreuz.
The new S85 line connects north-east Berlin to BER, and passengers can take the S9 line to Spandau. Travelers should check the current traffic situation on the day of their arrival to ensure a smooth trip.
What Are the Future Developments for BER?
The airport continues to enhance its services, including the introduction of biometric passport control for faster processing. Additionally, the Europe-wide entry/exit system (EES), which was implemented in December 2025, is now in effect, requiring travelers from non-EU countries to pre-register at automated kiosks.
Conclusion: A Busy Holiday Season at BER
With an estimated 1.1 million passengers traveling through Berlin Brandenburg Airport during the Christmas holidays, BER is ready for a busy but exciting season. From last-minute shopping to beautiful decorations and festive performances, travelers can enjoy the holiday spirit as they embark on their journeys to destinations across Europe and beyond. By following the travel tips, checking in online, and planning ahead, passengers can ensure their trips run as smoothly as possible during this bustling period.
