Fireworks and New Year’s Eve traditionally go together like a perfect match. Germany specifically saw a fireworks-related turnover of €197 million ($232 million), according to DW. However, fireworks aren’t great for everybody, with pets experiencing significant stress from the constant loud bangs.
Fortunately, fireworks are also not compatible with airports. This year, airports across Germany will be opening their doors to dog owners, giving a quieter place for our four-legged friends to escape the chaos of the New Year. Some have even hosted events ahead of New Year’s Eve so that dogs can already get familiar with their surroundings.
Airports Are Quieter Than The City Center For Dogs
Anybody who has been to an airport will know that it can be a busy and stressful place during peak hours. However, this is typically not the case late at night, especially at places like 
Frankfurt Airport (FRA), where there is a flight curfew from 11 pm until 5 am. Fireworks aren’t permitted at airports, and they are also usually located a large distance from areas where people meet to set the pyrotechnics off.
According to aeroTELEGRAPH, airports have traditionally been an unofficial location for dogs and their owners to escape the bangs. However, now airports are starting to lean into the occasion more officially this year. Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) even had a “dog training day” ahead of the festivities, where dogs could already get used to the airport environment.
On the topic, a Cologne Airport spokesperson told t-online,
“The terminals at the airport are open around the clock and accessible to the public, including on New Year’s Eve. Dogs are allowed there. There will be no fireworks in the immediate vicinity.”
Airports Are Offering More Than Just Quiet Terminals
It’s not only quiet terminals that dog owners can look forward to at German airports tonight. Those visiting Frankfurt Airport can also get a special deal at the airport’s Marriott hotels called “New Year’s Eve with your dog”. Guests can stay over, including breakfast, with up to two canines. For humans, there is a special dinner buffet, while hounds will also be treated to an “exclusive dog buffet & water station”, and a “dog-friendly outdoor area” in the parking lot.
For those unable to book the airport celebration, the terminals and car park are reportedly popular hangouts for those looking to escape the city’s noise. For those also wanting to take a walk, the long sidewalks around the airport perimeter are reportedly popular with dog walkers, particularly around midnight.
TSA Releases 2025 Canine Calendar Honoring Explosives Detection Dogs Working At US Airports
The calendar is filled with great pictures of these hardworking dogs.
Do Dogs Frequent Airports In Other Countries?
Private fireworks are banned in Germany outside of New Year’s, meaning that celebrations can get exceptionally crazy. As an expat in Germany, I can only describe the celebrations as like July 4th in Los Angeles, but even more intense as it is squeezed into a small time window. This isn’t so much of a phenomenon in many other countries, meaning that airport dog evenings are yet to take off in such a manner elsewhere.
However, Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport (ARN) is also becoming a safe haven for dogs this year. Like Frankfurt Airport, its Clarion hotel is also opening its doors to pet lovers. According to Sweden Herald, the hotel has offered 250 rooms for pets, and is expecting to welcome 300 dogs and two cats.
Across the road is another offering for dog owners in the car park. Airport parking can be notoriously expensive. However, from 8 pm to 1 am tonight, pet owners will be able to park for free in the long term carpark. On the initiative, Karl Eklund, Airport Director at Swedavia Stockholm Arlanda Airport, remarked,
“Already a few years ago, we noticed a large number of cars with anxious dog owners and their pets driving around on and near the airport on New Year’s Eve. That’s when the idea was born to open one of our parking areas for a few hours that evening. This will be the third year we are running this much-appreciated initiative.”
