Ruth Haines
Berlin Schönefeld Airport, once a significant hub for air travel in the Berlin-Brandenburg region, officially ceased operations in October 2020. Its closure was part of the transition to the newly constructed Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which consolidated the region's air traffic. While Schönefeld's terminals and runways are no longer active, parts of its infrastructure have been integrated into BER, specifically as Terminal 5. Travelers seeking flights to or from Berlin should now use BER, which has fully taken over the role previously held by Schönefeld.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) |
| Current Status | Closed for commercial operations since October 25, 2020 |
| Replacement Airport | Integrated into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) |
| Closure Reason | Consolidation of Berlin's air traffic into a single airport (BER) |
| Terminals | All terminals closed; facilities repurposed or demolished |
| Runway Usage | No longer used for commercial flights; may be used for general aviation or emergency purposes |
| Public Transport Connections | Former S-Bahn and bus routes redirected to BER |
| Future Plans | No plans to reopen; site may be redeveloped for other purposes |
| IATA Code | SXF (retired) |
| ICAO Code | EDDB (retired) |
| Last Commercial Flight | October 25, 2020 |
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What You'll Learn
- Current operational status of Berlin Schönefeld Airport
- Reasons for Schönefeld Airport's closure or limited operations
- Replacement airports serving Schönefeld's former routes and destinations
- Historical timeline of Schönefeld Airport's opening and changes
- Future plans for the Schönefeld Airport site and facilities
Current operational status of Berlin Schönefeld Airport
As of the latest updates, Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) has undergone significant changes in its operational status. The airport, which was once a major hub in the Berlin area, officially ceased its operations as a standalone airport on October 25, 2020. This closure was part of a larger plan to consolidate Berlin's air traffic into the newly constructed Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which is located adjacent to the former Schönefeld site. The integration of Schönefeld into BER was a strategic move to streamline operations and provide a more efficient travel experience for passengers.
Currently, the former Schönefeld Airport facilities are no longer in use for regular passenger flights. Instead, the area has been repurposed as Terminal 5 of Berlin Brandenburg Airport. This terminal primarily handles flights from low-cost carriers and charter airlines, ensuring that the infrastructure is utilized effectively. Passengers who would have previously flown in or out of Schönefeld now use BER, which offers a more modern and expanded range of services. It is important for travelers to note that all flights previously associated with SXF have been fully transferred to BER, and any references to Schönefeld Airport in travel documents or itineraries should be understood as directing passengers to Terminal 5 of BER.
The transition from Schönefeld to BER has been seamless for most passengers, with clear signage and transportation options available to guide travelers to the correct terminal. Public transport connections, including buses, trains, and shuttles, have been updated to serve BER exclusively. For those driving, parking facilities at Terminal 5 (formerly Schönefeld) are still operational, but it is advisable to check BER’s official website for the most accurate parking and drop-off information. The consolidation of operations has also improved connectivity to Berlin’s city center, with direct train and bus links from BER to major hubs like Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
Despite the closure of Schönefeld as an independent airport, its legacy continues to play a role in BER’s operations. The infrastructure and runways of the former airport have been integrated into BER’s layout, enhancing its capacity to handle increased air traffic. However, travelers should be aware that Schönefeld’s IATA code (SXF) is no longer active, and all flights now operate under BER’s code (BER). This change is crucial for booking flights, checking schedules, and navigating travel plans accurately.
In summary, Berlin Schönefeld Airport is no longer operational as a standalone entity. Its facilities have been absorbed into Berlin Brandenburg Airport as Terminal 5, serving specific airlines and flight types. Passengers should direct all inquiries and travel plans to BER, ensuring they use the correct airport code and terminal information. The transition has been designed to minimize confusion and maximize efficiency, making BER the sole airport serving Berlin and its surrounding regions. For the most up-to-date information, travelers are encouraged to consult BER’s official website or contact their airline directly.
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Reasons for Schönefeld Airport's closure or limited operations
Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), once a significant aviation hub in the German capital region, has faced substantial changes in recent years, leading to its eventual closure and limited operations. The primary reason for this transformation is the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which was designed to replace both Schönefeld and Tegel airports as Berlin's primary international gateway. The construction of BER aimed to consolidate air traffic and provide a modern, efficient facility capable of handling the growing number of passengers. Once BER became fully operational in October 2020, Schönefeld's role was significantly reduced, as most airlines and routes were transferred to the new airport.
Another critical factor contributing to Schönefeld's closure was its infrastructure limitations. Built during the Cold War era, the airport struggled to meet the demands of modern aviation, including larger aircraft, increased passenger numbers, and stricter safety and environmental regulations. The terminal buildings and runways were not designed to handle the volume of traffic that Berlin's growing aviation sector required. Upgrading Schönefeld to contemporary standards would have been costly and time-consuming, making it impractical compared to the newly constructed BER.
Environmental concerns also played a role in Schönefeld's limited operations and eventual closure. The airport's location in a densely populated area led to noise pollution complaints from nearby residents. Additionally, expansion plans for Schönefeld faced opposition due to their potential environmental impact, including increased carbon emissions and habitat disruption. BER's more remote location, by contrast, was chosen to mitigate these issues, offering better long-term sustainability for the region's aviation needs.
Economic factors further influenced the decision to close Schönefeld. Maintaining two airports in close proximity would have resulted in inefficient resource allocation and higher operational costs for both the government and airlines. Consolidating operations at BER allowed for better utilization of resources, reduced redundancy, and improved profitability for aviation stakeholders. This strategic move aligned with broader efforts to streamline Berlin's transportation infrastructure.
Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the decline of Schönefeld's operations. The global aviation industry faced unprecedented challenges, with a sharp drop in passenger numbers and flight cancellations. This crisis prompted airlines to consolidate their operations at fewer, more efficient hubs. As BER was already poised to replace Schönefeld, the pandemic expedited the transition, leading to the complete cessation of commercial passenger flights at Schönefeld in October 2020. Today, the airport serves limited purposes, such as general aviation and cargo operations, marking the end of its era as a major passenger airport.
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Replacement airports serving Schönefeld's former routes and destinations
Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF), once a major hub for both domestic and international flights, ceased operations in October 2020. Its closure was part of the consolidation efforts leading to the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which now serves as the primary airport for the Berlin-Brandenburg region. Passengers who previously relied on Schönefeld for their travel needs have since been redirected to BER, which has taken over the majority of Schönefeld’s former routes and destinations. Located just a few kilometers from Schönefeld, BER offers a modern and expanded facility capable of handling the region’s growing air traffic demands.
For travelers accustomed to Schönefeld’s convenience, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has seamlessly integrated most of its former routes. Major airlines that once operated from SXF, such as EasyJet, Ryanair, and Lufthansa, now base their operations at BER. The airport’s Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 serve a wide range of domestic and international destinations, including popular European cities like London, Paris, and Barcelona, as well as long-haul flights to destinations such as New York, Dubai, and Bangkok. BER’s efficient layout and improved infrastructure ensure a smoother travel experience compared to Schönefeld.
In addition to BER, some regional airports in Germany have stepped in to fill specific gaps left by Schönefeld’s closure. For instance, Leipzig/Halle Airport (LEJ) and Dresden Airport (DRS) have expanded their services to accommodate passengers from the eastern regions of Germany who previously relied on SXF. These airports now offer additional flights to key European destinations, ensuring that travelers have alternative options for their journeys. However, BER remains the primary replacement for Schönefeld, given its proximity to Berlin and its extensive network of routes.
For low-cost carriers that were a staple at Schönefeld, BER has dedicated facilities to ensure continuity. Terminal 2 at BER is specifically designed to handle budget airlines, providing a cost-effective and efficient travel experience. This terminal serves as a direct replacement for Schönefeld’s role as a hub for affordable travel, with airlines like Wizz Air and Eurowings operating extensively from this location. Passengers can expect the same level of accessibility and affordability they enjoyed at SXF, but with the added benefits of BER’s modern amenities.
Lastly, for travelers who used Schönefeld for charter and seasonal flights, BER has taken over these operations as well. The airport’s capacity allows for a wide range of charter services, particularly during peak travel seasons such as summer holidays and winter ski trips. Destinations like Antalya, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife, which were popular from SXF, are now easily accessible from BER. This ensures that the closure of Schönefeld has not disrupted the travel plans of those relying on seasonal or charter flights. In summary, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and, to a lesser extent, regional airports like Leipzig/Halle and Dresden, have effectively replaced Schönefeld’s former routes and destinations, maintaining connectivity for travelers in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.
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Historical timeline of Schönefeld Airport's opening and changes
The history of Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) is deeply intertwined with the political and social changes of the 20th century, particularly the division and reunification of Germany. In 1934, the site began as a Luftwaffe airfield during Nazi Germany, serving military purposes until the end of World War II. After the war, the area fell under Soviet control, and in 1946, it was repurposed as a civilian airport for the Soviet occupation zone, later becoming the primary airport of East Germany (GDR). Officially named Berlin-Schönefeld Airport in 1955, it was the gateway to East Berlin and the GDR, operated by Interflug, the East German national airline.
The airport underwent significant expansion in the 1960s and 1970s, with the construction of a new terminal and runway to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Despite its role as East Germany's main airport, Schönefeld was limited by political restrictions, primarily serving destinations within the Eastern Bloc and non-aligned countries. In 1976, a new terminal building (later known as Terminal A) was opened, modernizing the airport's infrastructure. However, its operations remained constrained by the Cold War divide.
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and German reunification in 1990 marked a turning point for Schönefeld. With the integration of East and West Berlin, the airport became part of a unified German aviation system. In the 1990s, Schönefeld was modernized further, with improvements to its facilities to meet international standards. It became a secondary airport to Berlin Tegel (TXL) and Berlin Tempelhof (THF), which were more centrally located and had greater capacity.
In the 2000s, plans were initiated to replace Schönefeld and Tegel with a new airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), located adjacent to Schönefeld. Construction began in 2006, with the intention of closing Schönefeld upon BER's completion. However, BER faced repeated delays due to technical and managerial issues, keeping Schönefeld operational far longer than anticipated. In 2012, Schönefeld's Terminal D was opened to handle increased passenger traffic during BER's construction phase.
Finally, on October 31, 2020, Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) opened, and Schönefeld's passenger operations ceased. The airport was officially closed for commercial flights, with BER taking over as Berlin's primary airport. However, Schönefeld's infrastructure was integrated into BER as its Terminal 5, serving low-cost carriers until its closure in February 2022. Today, the site remains part of BER, though no longer operational as a standalone airport. Schönefeld's legacy is preserved in its historical role as a symbol of East Germany's aviation and its transition into a unified Berlin.
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Future plans for the Schönefeld Airport site and facilities
As of the latest updates, Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) has been integrated into the larger Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) Willy Brandt, which officially opened in October 2020. The former Schönefeld Airport’s terminals were temporarily used as part of BER’s Terminal 5 until March 2022, after which they were closed. While Schönefeld Airport is no longer operational as a standalone facility, the site and its infrastructure are being repurposed to serve new functions, aligning with Berlin’s broader urban and economic development goals.
One of the primary future plans for the Schönefeld Airport site is its transformation into a hub for innovation, logistics, and commercial activities. The Berlin state government and airport authorities have outlined a vision to redevelop the area into a Berlin Brandenburg Airport City (BER City), which will include business parks, research facilities, and logistics centers. This initiative aims to leverage the site’s strategic location, excellent transportation links, and existing infrastructure to attract investment and create jobs. The goal is to establish a sustainable and economically vibrant district that complements the airport’s operations.
Another key aspect of the future plans involves the expansion of cargo and logistics operations. With the closure of Schönefeld’s passenger terminals, the focus has shifted to maximizing the site’s potential for air freight. BER Airport is already one of the fastest-growing cargo hubs in Germany, and the former Schönefeld area is expected to play a significant role in this growth. New cargo facilities, warehouses, and distribution centers are planned to meet the increasing demand for air logistics, particularly in light of global supply chain challenges.
The site will also be utilized for aviation-related industries and training. Plans include the establishment of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, as well as aviation training centers to support the growing aerospace sector. This aligns with Berlin’s ambition to position itself as a leader in aviation technology and education. Additionally, the area may host test facilities for emerging technologies such as urban air mobility and drone logistics, further cementing its role as an innovation hub.
Environmental sustainability is a core component of the redevelopment plans. The former airport site will incorporate green spaces, renewable energy projects, and eco-friendly infrastructure to minimize its carbon footprint. This includes the creation of parks, solar energy installations, and energy-efficient buildings. The goal is to ensure that the transformation of the Schönefeld site contributes positively to the region’s environmental goals while providing a high quality of life for future occupants.
Finally, the integration of the site into the local transportation network remains a priority. The existing rail and road connections, including the S-Bahn and regional train lines, will be optimized to facilitate seamless access to the new developments. This will not only support the airport’s operations but also enhance connectivity for businesses and residents in the surrounding areas. The long-term vision is to create a well-connected, multi-functional district that serves as a model for urban redevelopment and economic growth.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Berlin Schönefeld Airport (SXF) ceased operations on October 25, 2020, after the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
Berlin Schönefeld Airport was replaced by Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which is located on the same site and incorporates parts of the former Schönefeld infrastructure.
No, all flights previously operating from Schönefeld Airport have been transferred to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
The former Schönefeld terminal was integrated into Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) as Terminal 5, though it is no longer in use as of 2022.
