Berlin-Tegel Airport, officially named Berlin Tegel 'Otto Lilienthal' Airport, was a major international airport in Berlin, Germany, known for its unique layout and significant role in air travel for over six decades.
Arrival at Berlin Tegel of a former Nigerian information minister on an official visit to West Berlin on 20 June 1963 (note the original terminal on the airport's north side in the background)
Tegel Airport was famous for its short walking distances, as seen here in Terminal A: buses, taxis and cars can drop off passengers outside the windows on the right, check-in and direct gate access are on the left.
TWA Lockheed L-1011 at Berlin Tegel Airport in 1991
π Environmental Impact
Airports have to be careful about the environment π, and Berlin-Tegel Airport tried hard to be green! They planted trees and gardens around the airport to help nature π³. Some people said that the noise from the planes upset animals nearby, so the airport tried to use quieter flight paths and work with local communities. They also recycled waste and encouraged passengers to do the same by providing special bins. π±Although flying makes the earth warmer, the airport worked on solutions to lessen this impact. Taking care of our planet is super important, even when traveling! π
On November 8, 2020, Berlin-Tegel Airport officially closed its doors π. This was a big change because a new airport, Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER), had opened. πBER is bigger and has more options for passengers and airlines. Although many people loved Tegel and its unique style, the newer airport promised to be more efficient and environmentally friendly. πAll flights were moved to the new airport, and many travelers shared memories of Tegel, remembering the adventures they started there. Airports often change and grow, and this was an exciting time in Berlinβs travel story! βοΈ
Berlin-Tegel Airport was busy every day, serving more than 20 million passengers a year before it closed! πIt had many runways that allowed multiple planes to take off and land at the same time. TGW, or Tegel Ground Handling, helped keep things running smoothly by taking care of baggage and other services. The airport also had cool fast options for check-in procedures, which made traveling easier for everyone. In 2019, it became one of Europeβs top 10 busiest airports. πEven though it closed in 2020, it remains a vital part of Berlin's travel memories! βοΈ
Even though Berlin-Tegel Airport is closed, its memory remains! π₯³The airport played a vital role in connecting Berlin with the world for over 60 years! Many think of its unique architecture and fun experiences inside. As for the future, the airport area is being transformed into a new space for homes, parks, and businesses, called "Tegel Projekt." ποΈ This means that while Berlin-Tegel is no longer an airport, it will still be a special place for people in Berlin to enjoy and create memories. What exciting things do you think will happen there? π
Many airlines flew from Berlin-Tegel Airport, including Lufthansa and Air Berlin. πPeople could travel to many exciting destinations including London, Paris, and New York City! πThe airport offered flights to over 130 places around the world, making it a great hub for travel. Passengers loved arriving and departing from there, as it connected them to family, friends, and adventures far and near! βοΈ Whether people wanted a beach holiday or a snowy trip, Berlin-Tegel was the place to start their journey! ποΈβοΈ
Getting to Berlin-Tegel Airport was super easy! ππ Travelers could ride buses that linked to city trains and metro lines. This made it simple for people to reach the airport from different parts of Berlin! The bus stop was right in front of the terminal, so it was very convenient. People could even take taxis for a quick and direct ride! πThis good transportation network made Berlin-Tegel a favorite for travelers because they didnβt have to worry about how to get there. Even if you weren't flying, it was a place to watch planes and enjoy the journey!
Before Berlin-Tegel Airport opened, people used other airports in Berlin like Tempelhof. Berlin-Tegel was built in 1960 to help with more travel needs after World War II. βοΈ The airport grew quickly, bringing more and more flights every year. Famous events like the Berlin Wall falling in 1989 saw many people flying to and from Berlin, as tourists came to celebrate freedom π. Tegel Airport became the main gateway for Berlin, serving millions of people until it closed in 2020. This airport is important in Berlinβs history and helped connect the city to the world! π
Berlin-Tegel Airport was famous for its unique hexagonal shape! π’The design made it easy for passengers to walk to their planes quickly. The airport had 6 terminals, which looked like a star from above. It also had βfingerβ gates that allowed travelers to get on their planes easily without going outside. π¨The building had large windows, so visitors could watch the planes take off and land π¬. Also, it was designed by the architect Hans Scharoun, who wanted the airport to feel friendly and welcoming for everyone who visited! βοΈ
Did you know that Berlin-Tegel Airport had the longest airport runway in Germany? πIt measured about 4,000 meters (13,123 feet)! The airport also had a "plane spotting" terrace where enthusiasts could watch aircraft take off and land while sipping coffee! βπ« Otto Lilienthal, the aviator after whom the airport was named, made over 2,000 flights in his lifetime! βοΈ Before it closed, Tegel was known for its TWO iconic vending machines that offered snacks and drinks right next to the boarding gates! It was a special place filled with fun memories! π