2008 Closure for Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport Confirmed
Authorities in Germany confirmed on the 4th December that Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport will close to passengers next year.
The country’s prime administrative court rejected a proposal to save the airport which, 59 years ago gained notoriety for the part it played in the Berlin Airlift. In its absence, the ex-military site at Schoenefeld will be expanded to create Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport.
Airlines Attempt to Save Tempelhof Airport
A number of the carriers that use Tempelhof attempted to stop the closure from going ahead. However, the Federal Administrative Court would not accept their calls, and instead gave its approval to a decision made earlier this year that viable alternatives to Tempelhof were available, and that, within this, relocating the airlines affected would not contravene their rights.
Tempelhof to Close in October 2008
Tempelhof is due to be closed on the 31st October 2008. A trio of carriers that operate from the site – Cirros Airlines, Intersky and Brussels Airlines – will need to shift their flights to Schoenefeld beginning on the next day.
Tempelhof has been in operation since 1923. Under Nazi rule, it underwent significant development.
Airport Gained Prime Role in Berlin Airlift
Post World War Two, the Soviet blockade imposed on Berlin led to a vast influx of transport aircraft determined to supply the area’s residents with supplies. Tempelhof became one of the three principal airfields involved – along with Tegel and Gatow.
More recently, however, Tempelhof has seen only limited use – its size placing restrictions on the type of aircraft that can be accommodated.
Tempelhof, however, is closer to metropolitan Berlin than any of the city’s other sites – a fact highlighted by its supporters.
The re-developed Schoenefeld will become Berlin-Brandenburg International by 2011, while Tegel Airport is another hub due to be shut down.
Source – Airport International’s European Correspondent
