Berlin Tegel Airport

Berlin Tegel Airport was a major international airport serving Berlin, Germany, and a hub for Air Berlin, Germanwings, and Eurowings. It was located in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin and was named after Otto Lilienthal, a German aviator and engineer. The airport was also known as Berlin-Tegel Otto Lilienthal Airport and was an important transportation hub for Lufthansa, Condor Flugdienst, and Ryanair. The airport's history dates back to the Cold War era, when it was used by the French Air Force and the United States Air Force.

● History

The history of the airport began in 1948, when the French Air Force built a small airfield in Tegel to supply West Berlin during the Berlin Blockade. The United States Air Force also used the airport, and it was later expanded to accommodate commercial aviation. In the 1960s, the airport was rebuilt and expanded to handle jet aircraft, and it became a major hub for Pan American World Airways, British Airways, and SAS Scandinavian Airlines. The airport was also used by Interflug, the East German national airline, and it played an important role in the Berlin Airlift. The airport's history is closely tied to the history of Berlin, including the Berlin Wall and the Reunification of Germany.

● Location and Layout

The airport was located in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin, about 8 km northwest of the city center. It was situated near the A111 autobahn and the B109 federal highway, making it easily accessible by car and bus. The airport had a single terminal building, which was designed by the German architect Gerkan, Marg and Partners. The terminal building was equipped with check-in counters, security checkpoints, and gates, and it offered a range of shops and restaurants, including Burger King, McDonald's, and Starbucks. The airport was also home to a maintenance base for Lufthansa Technik and a training center for Pilots.

● Facilities

The airport had a range of facilities, including parking garages, car rental offices, and taxi stands. The airport was also equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, making it easy for passengers to stay connected. The airport had a business lounge for frequent flyers and a VIP lounge for celebrities and dignitaries. The airport was also home to a medical center and a pharmacy, and it offered a range of duty-free shops and restaurants, including Heinemann Duty Free and Kamps. The airport was certified by the International Air Transport Association and the European Aviation Safety Agency.

● Airlines and Destinations

The airport was a hub for several airlines, including Air Berlin, Germanwings, and Eurowings. It was also served by a range of other airlines, including Lufthansa, Condor Flugdienst, and Ryanair. The airport offered flights to a range of destinations, including London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. The airport was also a popular destination for low-cost carriers, including easyJet and Wizz Air. The airport's route network included flights to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with connections to Asia and North America.

● Closure and Redevelopment

The airport was closed on November 8, 2020, and it was replaced by Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which is located in Schönefeld. The closure of the airport was part of a larger plan to consolidate air traffic in the Berlin region and to reduce noise pollution. The airport site is being redeveloped into a new urban district, which will include residential areas, office buildings, and parks. The redevelopment project is being led by the State of Berlin and the Federal Government of Germany, and it is expected to create thousands of new jobs and to stimulate economic growth in the region.

● Statistics

The airport handled over 20 million passengers per year, making it one of the busiest airports in Germany. The airport had a cargo volume of over 40,000 tons per year, and it was an important hub for express cargo and mail. The airport had a fleet of over 100 aircraft, and it offered over 100 destinations in Europe and beyond. The airport was also an important employer in the Berlin region, with over 10,000 employees working at the airport. The airport's economic impact was significant, with an estimated annual revenue of over 1 billion euros. The airport was also a popular destination for tourists, with over 10 million visitors per year, including visitors from China, United States, and United Kingdom.