Berlin is a city drenched in history, an old tale weaving through its cobblestone streets and towering buildings. And within this historic tapestry, lie the airports of Berlin, each with its own story to tell. Tempelhof, Tegel, Schönefeld, and the new kid on the block, Brandenburg, all carrying the weight of the city’s past and the promise of its future.
Johannisthal Airfield, the first to grace the city with its presence in 1909, held the title of Berlin’s inaugural commercial airport. But as Tempelhof Airport emerged in the aftermath of World War I, Johannisthal’s glory slowly waned, eventually being overtaken by the winds of time and transformed into a quiet university campus.
Tempelhof Airport, born in the roaring 1920s, embodied the spirit of European aviation and stood as a formidable figure during the Berlin airlift post-World War II. It was a bustling beehive, birthed by the hands of the Nazi regime, once reigning as one of the world’s busiest airports until its doors closed in 2008.
Meanwhile, Schönefeld Airport silently thrived as East Berlin’s main aviation hub post-World War II, lacking the glamour and limelight of Tempelhof. Today, Schönefeld forms the foundation of Berlin Brandenburg Airport, with its old terminal now home to budget airlines seeking shelter under its worn wings.
Tegel Airport, constructed in the blink of an eye in just 90 days during the Berlin airlift, blossomed into Berlin’s primary commercial airport. Its tight and bustling quarters etched a lasting memory in the minds of many a traveller, setting the scene for an unexpected twist as it transforms into an arts and entertainment hub, its brutalist canteen eager to play host to a new cast of characters.
Brandenburg Airport, the youngest of the bunch, tells a different tale altogether. Its laborious birth was a source of global amusement before finally opening its doors in 2020. Despite its tumultuous history, Brandenburg Airport now stands amidst the daily hustle and bustle of the aviation world, vying for its place in the grand narrative.
Although Berlin may no longer reign as Germany’s largest airport hub, it continues to hum with life, connecting the city to 116 airports worldwide. easyJet and Lufthansa take the stage as the main players, cementing Berlin’s role in the world of aviation.
So, whether you’ve shuffled through the corridors of Tempelhof, Tegel, Schönefeld, or Brandenburg, each airport has undoubtedly left its indelible mark on anyone fortunate enough to pass through. What’s your story? Ah, the tales we tell amidst the echoing halls of Berlin’s airports.
