Berlin Tegel Airport’s operating permit expires six months after closure

The dismantling and clearance of the facility is expected to cost €6m

On Tuesday (May 4), Tegel Airport’s permit to function as a commercial hub expired after ceasing operations in November of last year and moving premises to Berlin Brandenburg Willy Brandt (BER).

The hub was required to close six months after BER’s south runway began operating, as stated in the certification issued by the senate.

After more than 70 years of service, the airport saw its last take-off with an Air France service to Paris on November 8, 2020. Following this, the site went into ‘sleep mode’ as aircraft operations ended.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport
Photo Berlin Brandenburg Airport 

“Tegel performed its role very well until the last day,” said Engelbert Lutke Daldrup, chief executive officer of Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH. “However, all the concerns about possible operational problems at BER have not materialised. BER is running stably, it is modern, fit for purpose and well received by passengers. We are now clearing the way for a new era at Tegel. By quickly and professionally handing over all buildings and facilities, the airport company will give Tegel Project GmbH a good start for the city of the future.”

Since the closure, all the buildings at the hub have been dismantled including Terminal C3, the pedestrian bridge, transfer baggage hall, Terminal A’s VIP lounge and the luggage storage facility. Shops and catering areas have also been cleared out.

The decommissioning process has cost around €3m (£2.6m) so far, with this amount expected to double before the handover to the State of Berlin and the Federal Government in August.

Facilities needed for operational readiness are also being dismantled over the next three months, including the sites for German Air Traffic Control, weather service and Federal Police.