Berlin’s Willy Brandt airport to open 27 October 2013

Berlin’s new airport will open on 27 October 2013, the beginning of the winter schedules for 2013/2014. It had previously been scheduled for June 2012.

The new chief executive of the airport board, Horst Amman, has reported that the present state of construction needs to be reassessed, as existing plans present considerable problems and gaps due to the pressure to complete the previous opening schedule of June 2012.

In his report to the Berlin Brandenburg Airport supervisory board he has pointed out that “improper works were carried out as a result of the accelerated work programme for the 13 June opening,” that there was insufficient co-ordination and supervision among the companies involved and that the relationship with the main construction company (Bauordnungsampt) needs to be improved.

The programme he has put to the airport’s supervisory board involves examination and reassessment of all construction plans by autumn 2012, finalisation of building by summer 2013, testing of all systems and airport facilities during summer 2013, the closure of Tegel, Berlin’s present international airport, on 26 October and the opening of Brandenburg’s Willy Brandt airport on 27 October.

Another €1.2 billion is needed to cover the additional construction and operational costs and the loss of revenue caused by the delays.