Increased Wait Times Expected at BER Airport Due to Holiday and IT Issues

Travelers at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) are advised to prepare for extended wait times as the airport continues to recover from a cyberattack that has affected its operations. With the upcoming national holiday on Friday, which is expected to bring a surge in passenger traffic, the situation could become more challenging.

According to airport officials, travelers should expect delays, with wait times varying by airline. Although some carriers have implemented alternative solutions and equipment to mitigate the impact, the overall situation remains fluid and dependent on individual airline operations. A spokesperson from the airport emphasized the importance of checking with airlines for specific recommendations regarding arrival times at the airport.

The airport is bracing for a significant influx of travelers over the holiday weekend, with projections of around 90,000 passengers on Friday and nearly 96,000 on Sunday. This volume represents a substantial increase compared to regular travel days.

The IT systems at BER were compromised following a cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, a service provider for several European airports. This incident led to substantial disruptions in electronic systems essential for passenger and baggage processing. Despite these challenges, passengers can utilize self-service kiosks and automated baggage drop-off points, which remain operational.

Efforts are underway to restore the affected systems, with plans for preliminary testing over the weekend. The goal is to have all systems fully operational by Monday. While flight cancellations have been minimal, some delays have been reported, and passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport well ahead of their scheduled departure times.

In light of these circumstances, travelers are urged to remain patient and to stay informed through their respective airlines regarding any changes to their travel plans.