Ruth Haines
Berlin Tegel Airport (TXL) was the main airport of Berlin, Germany, for over 70 years. The airport was constructed in 1948 during the Berlin Blockade, as the city's existing main airport was too small to accommodate all relief aircraft. TXL's last passenger flight took off on November 8, 2020, and it has since been replaced by the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. The airport's closure has provided the city with a large amount of free space, with plans to convert the area into allotment gardens. While Tegel Airport is no longer operational, it holds historical significance, and its iconic hexagonal terminal building remains a recognisable feature in Berlin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Status | Closed |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Distance from Brandenburg Gate | 10 miles |
| Taxi Fare to Mid-City | €25 – €35 |
| Opening Hours | 3:30 am |
| Terminal Shape | Hexagonal |
| Security Check | Yes |
| Observation Deck | Yes |
| Restaurants | Yes |
| Lounges | Yes |
| Historical Aviation Buildings | Yes |
| Year of First Operation | 1948 |
| Runway Length | 2,428 m |
| Construction Time | 90 days |
| First Aircraft | United States Air Force (USAF) Douglas C-54 Skymaster |
| Notable Flights | Air France Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde; Pan Am direct service to New York JFK |
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What You'll Learn
Tegel Airport is closed
Tegel Airport, or Otto Lilienthal Airport, was built in 1948 and was the main international airport of Berlin. It played a vital role in the city's post-war development and was a crucial link to the West during the Cold War. The airport served millions of passengers, including those flying to and from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and popular holiday resorts in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
However, Tegel Airport struggled with capacity and infrastructure issues. In 2006, construction began on the Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), which was intended to replace both Tegel and Schönefeld Berlin Airports. After several years of delays due to infrastructure and fire safety issues, the new airport finally opened its doors on 31 October 2020.
The last passenger flight from Tegel Airport took off on 8 November 2020, marking the end of its operations after more than 70 years of service. The airport was officially decommissioned as an airfield on 4 May 2021. While Tegel Airport is no longer handling air traffic, its legacy lives on, and it remains a significant part of Berlin's aviation history.
The former airport site is currently undergoing redevelopment, with plans to transform it into a vibrant urban center. The project, known as Urban Tech Republic, aims to create a sustainable, liveable space for people of all ages and incomes. The area will feature businesses, educational institutions, and potentially residential areas. The main building and tower of the airport will be retained as a repurposed landmark.
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History of the airport
Berlin Tegel "Otto Lilienthal" Airport, named after aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal, was the primary international airport of Berlin, Germany. It was situated in Tegel, a section of the northern borough of Reinickendorf, eight kilometres (five miles) northwest of the city centre of Berlin. The airport was notable for its hexagonal main terminal building, which made walking distances as short as 30 m (100 ft) from the aircraft to the terminal exit.
During World War II, the area where the airport was built served as a military training area, mostly for Flak troops. It was destroyed in Allied air raids. Plans for converting the area into allotment gardens were shelved due to the Berlin Blockade, which began on 24 June 1948. In the ensuing Berlin Airlift, it was found that Berlin's existing main airport at Tempelhof was not big enough to accommodate all relief aircraft. As a consequence, the French military authorities in charge of Tegel ordered the construction of a 2,428 m (7,966 ft) long runway, the longest in Europe at the time, as well as provisional airport buildings and basic infrastructure. Groundbreaking took place on 5 August 1948, and only 90 days later, on 5 November, a United States Air Force (USAF) Douglas C-54 Skymaster became the first aircraft to land at the new airport.
During the Cold War era (1945–1990), all air traffic through the Allied air corridors linking West Berlin with West Germany was restricted to airlines headquartered in the United States, the United Kingdom, or France. In addition, all flight deck crew flying aircraft into and out of West Berlin were required to hold American, British, or French passports. During that period, the majority of Tegel's regular commercial flights served West German domestic routes, hub airports in Frankfurt, London, Paris, Amsterdam, points in the United States, and popular holiday resorts in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
In 1964, Pan Am introduced a year-round, thrice-weekly direct service to New York JFK, operated with Boeing 707s or Douglas DC-8s. In 1973, Air France re-introduced a daily non-stop Orly–Tegel rotation. The arrival of an Air France Aérospatiale-BAC Concorde on 17 January 1976 marked the Berlin debut of the Anglo-French supersonic airliner. In 1974, Pan Am began operating a series of short- and medium-haul weekend charter flights from Tegel, serving popular resorts in the Alpine region and the Mediterranean.
In 1990, after German reunification, it was decided to build a new airport, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, to replace Tegel, Tempelhof, and Schönefeld airports. Berlin Brandenburg Airport was originally planned to open in 2011, but the project encountered several delays due to poor construction planning, execution, management, and corruption. It finally opened on 31 October 2020, and Tegel Airport was closed on 8 November 2020, after serving the city for more than 70 years.
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Nearby attractions
Berlin Tegel Airport, also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport, was the main international airport for West Berlin during the Cold War. It served the city for over 70 years, finally closing its doors to passengers in November 2020. The airport was replaced by Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which opened on 31 October 2020.
Although Tegel Airport is no longer operational, there are plans to convert the site into an urban innovation district. The state-owned company, Grün Berlin GmbH, will transform the former airfield and runway into a nature conservation area, with concepts for low-traffic mobility, increased biodiversity, and climate-neutral energy supply. The area will offer opportunities for recreational use and research, with Berlin TXL envisioning a future where nature is integrated into the city and sustainable practices are standard.
Despite the closure of Tegel Airport, there are still plenty of nearby attractions to explore. Here are some suggestions:
- Reichstag Building: This iconic building is a must-see for any visitor to Berlin. It is a historic government building that houses the German Parliament, and its distinctive architecture makes it a recognisable landmark.
- Memorial of the Berlin Wall: The memorial commemorates the division of the city during the Cold War and serves as a reminder of its turbulent past. It is a sombre yet important reminder of history.
- Pergamonmuseum: This museum is located on Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses an impressive collection of ancient artefacts, including the famous Pergamon Altar.
- Friedrichstadt-Palast: Known for its grand theatre and cabaret performances, the Friedrichstadt-Palast is a cultural hotspot in Berlin. It showcases a variety of shows, from musicals to acrobatics, and is renowned for its lavish productions.
- Brandenburg Gate: Located just 10 miles from Tegel Airport, Brandenburg Gate is a famous landmark and one of the most well-known symbols of Berlin. It was once a gateway between West and East Berlin during the Cold War.
- The Holocaust Memorial: Formally known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, this memorial is a moving reminder of the Holocaust. It consists of a field of concrete slabs arranged in a grid pattern, creating a sombre and reflective atmosphere.
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Restaurants and lounges
Berlin Tegel Airport, also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport, was the main international airport for Berlin in 1948. The airport has served the city for over 70 years, but the last passenger flight departed from Tegel on November 8, 2020.
Berlin Tegel Airport has several restaurants and lounges. The Red Baron Restaurant by the Lufthansa Lounge is a good escape from the crowds, with food that is likely better than what is served on flights. There is also a Starbucks, but it tends to be crowded. The BerlinAirportClub is another lounge option, accessible with a Priority Pass. It is not very large, but it is pleasant and provides a break from the crowds.
The airport's Main Terminal A has limited seating, so lounge access can be especially valuable for passengers looking for additional space. The Relay shop in the airport opens at 4:30 am, and the airport is likely open by then as well.
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Transport options
Berlin Tegel Airport, also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport, was the main international airport of Berlin in 1948. The airport is no longer operational, having served its last passenger flight on November 8, 2020. The closure of Tegel Airport paved the way for the Berlin Brandenburg Airport to become the city's primary aviation hub.
Berlin Tegel Airport is situated about 10 miles northwest of the Brandenburg Gate, offering convenient access to the city centre through various transport options. Here are some transport options to and from the airport:
- Taxi Services: A taxi ride from Tegel Airport to the city centre typically costs between €25 and €35. This option provides a direct and comfortable journey to your destination.
- Airport Shuttle: Some hotels in the vicinity of the airport, such as the Mercure hotel, provide airport shuttle services for their guests. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option if you are staying at one of these hotels.
- Public Transportation: Berlin's public transportation network offers efficient travel options to and from the airport. The airport is well connected to the city's train and bus network, making it possible to reach various parts of Berlin and its surrounding areas.
- Ride-sharing and Car Rental: Ride-sharing services, such as Uber or Lyft, may be available in Berlin, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. Additionally, car rental services can be found at the airport, offering the flexibility of having your own vehicle during your stay.
- Bicycle: With Berlin's focus on sustainable mobility, the city has implemented an extensive network of cycle paths. Cycling could be a viable option for those who prefer an active and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Tegel Airport is no longer operational. The last passenger flight departed on November 8, 2020, after serving Berlin for over 70 years.
Tegel Airport has been replaced by Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which opened on October 31, 2020. The closure of Tegel Airport has provided Berlin with a large amount of free space, with plans to transform the former airfield and runway into a nature conservation area.
Tegel Airport, also known as Otto Lilienthal Airport, was Berlin's main international airport in 1948. The airport's hexagonal terminal building is an iconic feature of the city. During the Cold War era, Tegel Airport served as a hub for flights to West Germany and popular holiday resorts in the Mediterranean and Canary Islands.
Tegel Airport offered several facilities for travellers, including an observation deck on the rooftop, lounges, and restaurants. The airport also had a Starbucks and a Relay shop, which opened at 4:30 am.
