An incident at the security checkpoint at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER) caused a stir on Saturday evening. A passenger had carried a pepper spray disguised as a lighter in her hand luggage. During the checkpoint, the gas escaped and caused health problems for several people. A total of 14 people complained of headaches and watery eyes.
According to initial findings from the investigating authorities, the camouflaged irritant gas spray was discovered by security forces during a check. When they tried to confiscate the prohibited object, the gas was released uncontrollably. The stinging irritant immediately spread throughout the area, causing several people to complain of discomfort.
The incident led to a temporary standstill at the affected security checkpoint. The airport fire brigade and rescue services were immediately alerted to take care of those affected. Three people had to undergo immediate eye cleaning, while the others recovered after a short time. According to the emergency services, admission to hospital was not necessary.
investigations against the passenger
The police have launched an investigation into the passenger. It is still unclear whether she carried the irritant gas knowingly or accidentally. Possession of irritant gas sprays is not prohibited in Germany, but there are strict regulations for transporting them on airplanes. According to the international safety regulations of the International Air Transport Association (iata), carrying irritant gas on airplanes is prohibited because if it leaks, it can have serious health consequences for passengers and crew.
Whether the woman will face criminal consequences depends on further investigations. The authorities are examining, among other things, whether she may have to answer for negligent bodily harm. A violation of the Aviation Security Act could also be considered.
Impact on airport operations
The short-term closure of the security checkpoint led to delays in operations. Passengers had to temporarily switch to alternative checkpoints. However, a major traffic jam was avoided because the airport management reacted quickly and reopened the affected security line after a short time.
Airport spokespeople stressed that security measures at BER are very strict and that incidents like this only occur in exceptional cases. Nevertheless, the incident highlights the challenges associated with checking baggage and potentially dangerous items.
Similar incidents in the past
The use of pepper spray in public spaces has repeatedly led to incidents in the past. There have been isolated cases, particularly at airports and train stations, in which pepper spray or other irritating substances have been accidentally or intentionally released.
For example, a similar situation occurred at Frankfurt Airport in 2018 when pepper spray was released in a baggage hall and several people had to be treated. At other German airports, too, prohibited items have been discovered repeatedly in hand luggage checks in recent years, including dummy weapons, dangerous chemicals or undeclared gases.
The incident at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport shows how important careful security checks are in air travel. Carrying prohibited items, even if they are inconspicuously disguised, can have serious consequences. The investigation against the passenger is ongoing and it remains to be seen whether she will be held accountable for the incident.
and 