Berlin’s new airport finally opens

Despite nine years’ delay, budget overruns and a global pandemic, it is hoped Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) – conceived to celebrate reunified Germany’s capital – will become an international hub


Also known as Willy Brandt airport after former West German chancellor

Began construction in 2006, but missed six opening dates due to design fiascos and scandals

Cost: Shot up from original budget of €2.7b to almost €6bn

BER will replace Berlin’s two Cold War-era airports – Tegel (TXL), due to close on Nov 8, and Schoenefeld (SFX), which has been integrated into the new build

BER aims to welcome 36m passengers – Tegel and Schoenefeld’s combined traffic in 2019 – but not until 2024, due to ongoing pandemic

Airport to open two terminals – T1, and SXF’s old facilities, T5. T2 will not open until 2021


Tegel (TXL)
BERLIN
Former Berlin Wall
BER is adjacent to Schoenefeld (SXF)
5km 3 miles


T5
B96a
North runway: 3,600m
Tower
T2
T1
South runway: 4,000m
A113 


Sources: www.berlin-airport.de, FlightGlobal 
Pictures: Newscom, Getty Images 
© GRAPHIC NEWS