Berlin airport closure the end of an era

TEMPELHOF Airport has been many things to Berlin — a lifeline to German areas cut off after the great war, a centre of the city’s defence in WWII, and the hub of the airlift that ensured West Berlin’s survival over the cold war.

For 85 years, it has been an airport but today the last flights leave and Tempelhof will be officially closed. The future of the 900-acre site is uncertain.

Proposals include turning the airport, a protected historical landmark, into a luxury spa, some condos, a museum, a park, a trade centre or even the centrepiece of a new Olympic bid.

“Tempelhof is nothing more and nothing less than the cradle of aviation,” said Ralf Kunkel, a spokesman for Berlin’s airports. “A very big and important chapter of European aviation is going to end.”

Berlin’s biggest airport, Tegel, is also to close, with all flights routed to a new hub at former East Berlin’s Schoenefeld airport.

In an April referendum, 60.2% voted to keep the Tempelhof airport open, but turnout (21.7%) was below the level required to make the ballot valid.