Chaos on BER: Road gas meets 14 passengers for security control!

Chaos on BER: Road gas meets 14 passengers for security control!

At the Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER), a threatening incident occurred on the evening of February 9, 2025 when 14 people were injured by a stimulus spray camouflaged as a lighter. The injuries occurred during a security check when the dangerous fabric from the spray was escaped when confiscating the security forces. The most common complaints of those affected were eye irritation and shortness of breath, who, according to

The alarm of the fire brigade and the rescue workers took place around 7 p.m. after the security checks had to be closed briefly due to the incident. Several employees of the security control were violated on site, while the airport fire brigade's team classified the emergency on "ManV funds" (mass incidence of injured - medium -sized level). For this purpose, three ambulances and an emergency doctor from the Dahme-Spreewald district were requested. A total of three people needed eyewashed, but no hospital treatment was necessary.

The federal police confirmed the incident, but did not determine the passenger who tried to carry the irritant gas. The incident made it clear how important effective security controls are in today's airports. Against the background of a persistent terrorist threat, the requirements for such controls have increased to ensure the safety of all travelers. This is also made more difficult by the increasing number of passengers and the limited infrastructure at airports, as bdl.aero reports.

In order to increase the efficiency of security controls, new technologies such as CT scanners have been introduced. These devices are able to precisely recognize liquids and electronic objects, which reduces the need to take technology and liquids out of the hand luggage. Such measures have a positive effect on the waiting times of security controls and are mainly used at large German airports.

effects on airport operation

The security situation on BER remains tense due to the incident, but according to an airport spokesman, the situation was classified as manageable at all times. The security controls at BER have been organized directly by the airport operators since 2024, which enables a faster and more flexible reaction to such incidents. These developments could help to avoid similar incidents in the future and to better protect travelers.