Berlin Bound: Brandenburg Airport Takes Off

With the opening of their new modern airport, the German capital will recover its historic role as one of the principal hubs of Europe.

Even after the Wall fell in 1989, Berlin remained on the edge, with the few long-distance flights scattered among three local airports. Templehof, an architectural classic, has been transformed into an events space and public park; Tegel and Schoenfeld will soon be closed. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), opening on June 3, offers crisp, functional spaces and two bonuses: international and domestic flights are located in a single terminal, reducing transfer times, and trains will leave for Berlin’s central station every 15 minutes. Best of all, the 30 minute ride will be priced at only 3 Euros—an eighth of what it costs from London’s Heathrow for a shorter ride—and the Hauptbahnhof also brings every major destination under one roof, in contrast to London or Paris, where services are spread among a scatter of stations.

It’s easier than ever to fly to or from Germany. Air Berlin has greatly expanded its global network through a partnership with Dubai-based Etihad Airways and its membership in the One World Alliance, which includes BA and American. The airline ran charter flights for two decades before becoming the second largest German airline after Lufthansa and the sixth in Europe. It now offers direct flights from the US to its hubs in Dusseldorf and Berlin, as well as to 76 other countries, and its number two position encourages it to try even harder than its rival to provide friendly and convenient service.

* NEWS UPDATE: The opening has been postponed till a later date – TBD, so stay tuned!

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Michael Webb

Michael grew up in London and now lives in a classic modern apartment in Los Angeles. His twin passions are architecture and travel, and he indulges both as often as he can, exploring every continent in search of material and inspiration. His travel memoir, Moving Around: a Lifetime of Wandering (ORO Books, October) recalls memorable experiences of people and places over seven decades. Michael is the author of 28 other books, most recently Architects' Houses. He has written on travel and design for The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, Virtuoso Life, Monocle, Architectural Digest and other publications
around the world.

Latest posts by Michael Webb

• Exploring the Czech Republic - January 29, 2024
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