Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

The New Berlin Airport Finally Opens its Doors

After an almost 15-year legendary history of construction, the long-awaited new Berlin Airport has finally opened. Named after the leading German politician Willy Brandt, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Willy Brandt, is located at a 27-km distance from Berlin city center, in the state of Brandenburg.

The construction of the new airport began in 2006 and was due to be finished in 2011. However, the project has suffered continuous delays, which led to its opening only on October 31st 2020!

The decision for a new airport in Berlin was taken to replace Schönefeld, Tegel, and Tempelhof Airports. Tempelhof Airport closed in 2008, and the last flight from Tegel Airport took place on November 8th 2020. On the other hand, Schönefeld Airport will be operational until 2025, occupying one of the three terminals of Brandenburg Airport. Thus, Schönefeld Airport is now named Berlin Brandenburg airport’s terminal 5.
For the time being, the new German airport has three terminals and two runways. In the future, two more terminals and a satellite terminal are planned to be constructed. The airport is expected to welcome up to 35-40 million passengers annually, becoming one of the busiest airports both locally and at the European level.

FAQs

Is the Brandenburg Airport open?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport opened its gates on October, 31st 2020. Officially named Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, Willy Brandt (BER), it has replaced the already closed Tegel and Tempelhof Airports, as well as Schönefeld Airport which will be operational until 2025 as the new airport’s terminal 5.

Why is the new Berlin Airport not open?

The new Berlin Airport was supposed to begin its operation in 2011. However, consecutive delays due to various reasons (bad planning, corruption, etc.) allowed the opening of the new airport 9 years after the initial planning.

Is Tegel Airport still open?

Tegel Airport closed permanently on November, 8th 2020. The airlines operating at Tegel Airport moved their hub to the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport, and all its flights are now flying from the new airport.

Is Tempelhof Airport still in use?

The new Berlin airport, Brandenburg Airport, was constructed to replace the other three Berlin Airports (Schönefeld, Tegel, and Tempelhof). As a result, Tempelhof Airport stopped its operation in 2008.

How far is Brandenburg Airport from Berlin?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is located southeast of Berlin, in the state of Brandenburg. The distance from the new airport to Berlin city center is 27km.

What are the transportation options from Berlin Airport?

Berlin Brandenburg Airport is adequately linked to the city of Berlin. Hence, apart from the original airport taxis, the comfy car rentals, and the premium private transfers, public transport options are also on tap at BER Airport. Public buses, along with train lines, transfer passengers from the airport to Berlin downtown at low-cost prices. 

What is the airport code for Berlin Germany?

The new Berlin Airport, which replaced the other three airports in the region, has a new IATA code. Therefore, the airport code for Berlin Brandenburg Airport is BER.