Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) was thrown into chaos on Thursday evening when a woman told federal police she was carrying toxic substances in her handbag. The alert prompted the immediate evacuation of Terminal 1 and a temporary halt to flight operations, as emergency teams scrambled to assess the threat.
The woman reportedly approached the federal police service desk and mentioned the allegedly dangerous substances. Officers quickly overpowered her and took her into custody, but the uncertainty over the nature of the substance meant that a hazardous materials alert was declared. A police spokesperson confirmed to the Tagesspiegel that Terminal 1 was evacuated, with passengers ordered to leave the building.
Hazmat response and security cordon
Once the woman was detained, a security cordon was established around her handbag. Emergency responders, including the airport fire brigade and several fire services from the Dahme-Spreewald district, were deployed to the scene. Personnel in protective suits and with specialised equipment began examining the bag and the unknown substance.
An emergency coordination centre was also activated, a measure typically reserved for complex situations that exceed normal operating procedures. The centre is overseeing the operation and coordinating the various agencies involved.
The incident comes at a time of heightened security awareness at German airports. Earlier this year, Berlin accused Moscow of a drone attack on Leipzig airport, and tensions with Russia have remained high. The federal police have not yet released details about the woman's identity or her motives, and it remains unclear whether the substances were actually hazardous.
Passengers were left stranded as flights were suspended, and many took to social media to share their experiences. The airport advised travellers to check with their airlines for updates. By late evening, the situation was still ongoing, with no immediate word on when Terminal 1 would reopen.
This is not the first time BER has faced a security scare. The airport, which opened in 2020 after years of delays, has been under scrutiny for its handling of various incidents. The latest evacuation will likely raise questions about security protocols and the response to potential chemical threats.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the woman acted alone or if there was any connection to broader security concerns. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected in the coming hours.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and staff, and on determining exactly what was in that handbag.
