Berlin Brandenburg Airport Opening Delayed Yet Again

Departures board at Berlin Tegel Airport

MUNICH—Much like an airport disaster film, the opening of Berlin Brandenburg Airport, which was originally supposed to take place in 2010, will once again be delayed.

The latest reason for the delay is the discovery of issues with the terminal’s 1,200 doors, which apparently won’t close properly in the event of a fire.

Construction of the new airport, located adjacent to Berlin Schönefeld Airport 11 miles (18 kilometers) south of the city center, began in 2006. It was intended to replace both Schönefeld as well as Berlin Tegel Airport and be the single commercial airport serving the German capital. The current plan calls for continuing operations at Schönefeld due to rising passenger numbers.

It currently costs €1.3 million ($1.4 million) per day just to maintain the new airport, even though it isn’t in operation and has become a national embarrassment in a country known for “German efficiency.”

(Photo: Accura Media Group)