Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport closed yesterday. The airport first opened in 1927 and was one of the original big three airports in Europe, which included London’s former Croydon Airport and Paris Le Bourget. Although the airport was once a major airport, airlines have shifted to Berlin-Tegel and Berlin-Schönefeld International Airport due to the Cold War (Berlin Tempelhof lies in West Berlin). The airport was critical for the Allies during the Berlin Airlift. The only air service serving the airport during the time period was American military aircraft. Tempelhof’s 350,000 passengers per year soon became trumped by the other airport’s 6.3 and 13.4 million passengers.
Many locals in Germany have been outspoken about the decision, since it has historical value. However the main building is protected by German law and can not be torn down.
Quite a piece of history, eh? Soon, in 2011 all 3 (2 now) of Berlin’s airports will be combined together into the new Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport, which has already begun construction. It is expected that the new airport will initially be able to handle 30 million passengers per year, and have a final capacity of 50 million passengers; plenty room for growth.
Do you agree with the decision to close Berlin’s Tempelhof Airport? Comment or state your opinion below.
Image: flickr.com
I don’t see this as a problem. Changing times require modern updates and I think this is one of those cases. As far as historical value, it is being preserved in part and that should be enough of a commemoration. Berlin does not need to be overburdened by two airports. The Berlin-Brandenburg International sounds like a good move.