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After the first weekend of the holidays, airberlin has drawn critical conclusions about the situation so far at Berlin-Tegel airport. “We came out of it relatively unscathed”, said airberlin CEO Hartmut Mehdorn on Monday in Berlin. Although airberlin is devoting significant resources to manage the higher numbers of passengers at the old airport, the results are apparently at best satisfactory for customers.
airberlin recorded over 94,000 travellers over the first weekend of the holidays. The airport also registered a record number of passengers, exceeding the capacity limits of the infrastructure. airberlin has opened all its available Check-in desks to handle the volume of flights originally intended to go via BER. Duty Traffic Managers are working in double shifts at the airport to oversee people and machinery. Runway and ground-handling processes have been further optimised.
In addition, x-ray control technology has been introduced for hold baggage. The Federal Police and Securitas are working at 15% greater capacity, and cleaning intervals at the airport have been significantly stepped up. Particular attention is being given to baggage processes. Passengers using the airberlin hub to change planes are dependent on things running smoothly. With only five suitcase conveyors alone at Terminal C, all those involved are already up against it.
airberlin is advising its customers to arrive at the airport earlier than usual and to use public transport, as only a limited number of parking spaces are available. If possible, customers are asked to check in online, and use the Check-in machines provided at the airport, in addition to the Check-in desks. Information on departures and arrivals can be found on the airberlin.com website.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
