How many airports are in Berlin? A comprehensive guide to the city’s air links

Berlin, one of Europe’s most dynamic capitals, has a surprisingly intricate aviation history. For travellers planning a trip or locals curious about the city’s transport network, the question “How many airports are in Berlin?” often crops up. The short answer is straightforward: today, the city’s air traffic moves through a single, major international hub. Yet the story behind that number is rich with historic airports, megaprojects, and plans that reshaped Germany’s capital’s aviation map. This guide unpacks the current situation, revisits the legacy airports, explains how the Berlin Brandenburg project came to be, and offers practical tips for navigating Berlin’s air travel landscape.

How many airports are in Berlin today? The concise answer

How many airports are in Berlin today? The practical answer is one primary operating airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER). Since its opening, BER has served as the city’s main international gateway, handling the vast majority of commercial passenger traffic for Berlin and its surrounding region. The former Tegel Airport (TXL) ceased commercial operations and was effectively closed for regular passenger flights after BER opened, while Tempelhof Airport (THF) remains a historic site and public park rather than an active airport. In short, the active count is one, with a broader historical context that includes three other airfields that played significant roles in the city’s aviation history.

Historical overview: from Tempelhof to Tegel and Schönefeld

To understand the current count, it helps to look back at the city’s aviation landscape before BER. Berlin’s aviation story features three key historical airfields: Tempelhof, Tegel, and Schönefeld. Each left a distinct imprint on the city’s connectivity, economy, and identity.

Tempelhof Airport (THF) — a landmark in the heart of Berlin

Tempelhof is among the most legendary airfields in European history. Opened in 1923, it became a symbol of early aviation and, during the Berlin Airlift of 1948–1949, a crucial lifeline for the city. After decades of operation, Tempelhof ceased commercial passenger service in 2008 and was repurposed as a public park and cultural space. While no longer an operating passenger airport, Tempelhof remains a potent symbol of Berlin’s resilience and a popular destination for history enthusiasts, runners, and walkers who want to stroll across its former runways. For many visitors, Tempelhof represents the historical counterpoint to Berlin’s modern airport system.

Tegel Airport (TXL) — the long-serving gateway to the city

Tegel served as Berlin’s primary international and domestic airport for decades, especially during the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Known for its compact layout and convenient city-centre catchment, Tegel welcomed millions of passengers each year and developed a loyal following among travellers who appreciated its straightforward design. However, Tegel faced ongoing capacity constraints and modernisation challenges as air travel demand grew. With BER’s completion, Tegel’s role evolved, and its commercial operations were permanently wound down as part of the city’s new, consolidated aviation strategy. Tegel today lives on in memory and in the communities that carry its legacy in local business and travel culture.

Schönefeld Airport (SXF) — the predecessor that became BER

Schönefeld, located in the south-eastern outskirts of Berlin, was Berlin’s second major civilian airport for many years. It functioned as a busy hub for international and domestic flights and provided essential connectivity to destinations across Europe and beyond. In the lead-up to BER’s opening, Schönefeld underwent extensive redevelopment to become part of the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport complex. The consolidation of Schönefeld into BER marked a pivotal shift in the city’s aviation architecture, with the aim of creating a single, more efficient gateway for travellers visiting Berlin.

How the merger created Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER)

The transformation from multiple historic airfields to one integrated hub was not a simple task. Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER) emerged from a long-standing plan to unify Berlin’s air travel under one modern facility. The project faced delays and budget overruns, but the core objective remained clear: to provide a larger, more efficient airport capable of handling growing passenger numbers and connect Berlin more effectively to global markets.

BER was designed to replace Tegel and Schönefeld as Berlin’s primary international gateway. The process involved repurposing Schönefeld’s site, integrating existing infrastructure, constructing new terminals and runways, and aligning security, customs, and transport links with the city’s evolving needs. The result is a single, high-capacity airport that serves as the hub for both domestic and international routes. The consolidation addressed several issues that had challenged Berlin’s air travel network for years, including congestion, inconsistent service quality between different airports, and the need for a streamlined passenger journey from arrival to departure.

What this means for travellers and the city

For travellers, the consolidation into BER brings a simplified experience: a single central gateway to the capital with a direct rail connection, dedicated bus routes, and improved road access. The benefits include shorter transfer times when comparing arrivals with Tegel and Schönefeld’s previous arrangements, more consistent service standards, and better alignment with airline networks. The city benefits too: with BER acting as the principal international hub, Berlin gains a stronger competitive position for business tourism, conferences, and long-haul connections that require efficient ground transport links to city centres and major business districts.

Despite the single-airport reality for commercial passenger traffic, Berlin’s aviation ecosystem remains nuanced. Military airfields, private aviation facilities, and airfields used for gliding, training, or special events exist in and around the city area. These facilities are not active commercial passenger airports, but they contribute to the broader aviation landscape. When people ask, “How many airports are in Berlin?” it’s important to distinguish between active commercial airports and other airfields that support private aviation or military use.

Practical guide: navigating Berlin’s single-airport reality

With BER as the city’s sole busy international airport, travellers should plan with confidence. The following practical sections cover getting to BER, facilities at the airport, and tips to make your journey smoother.

Getting to BER from central Berlin

BER is well connected to central Berlin by rail, road, and bus services. The city’s S-Bahn and regional rail networks offer fast, direct connections to the airport, making it easy for travellers to reach the terminals from areas such as Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, and Friedrichshain. The airport campus is designed to provide a straightforward passenger journey, with clear wayfinding, efficient immigration and security processes, and ample ground transportation options. Visitors should allow extra time during peak travel periods, particularly for long-haul international flights and bag drop procedures.

Facilities and services at Berlin Brandenburg Airport

BER provides a modern passenger experience with a wide range of facilities designed to meet the needs of contemporary travellers. Expect a diverse mix of shops, eateries, lounges, business services, and family-friendly spaces. The design emphasises passenger flow, with intuitive signage and transfer zones that help you move smoothly from arrivals to departures or to long-haul connections. For travellers with accessibility needs, BER offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support comfortable and efficient journeys throughout the terminal complex.

The passenger journey: from check-in to boarding

At BER, the typical journey begins with check-in, baggage handling, and security checks, followed by passport control for international travellers. Once past security, passengers can explore dining options, retail outlets, and duty-free stores before heading to their departure gates. Boarding procedures are streamlined to reduce waiting times, and information displays provide real-time updates on gate assignments and flight timings. If you are travelling with special needs or require assistance, contact the airport facilities in advance to arrange appropriate provisions and support.

Future developments and the broader aviation outlook for Berlin

Even with BER serving as the city’s primary international gateway, the aviation landscape in and around Berlin is subject to ongoing evolution. Authorities continuously evaluate capacity, runway utilisation, and regional connectivity to ensure BER remains competitive in a rapidly changing European travel market. Discussions about expansion, potential new routes, or adjustments to ground transportation infrastructure may surface as passenger demand grows or as new aircraft technologies emerge. For travellers planning long-term visits or frequent business travel, staying informed about BER developments can help you time trips to align with the most convenient schedules and connections.

Comparative context: how Berlin’s airport count compares to other capitals

When people ask “How many airports are in Berlin?” they often compare the city to other European capitals with multiple airports. Cities such as Paris, London, and Madrid each maintain several airports serving different airline networks and regional catchments. Berlin’s shift to a single, consolidated hub is relatively unique among major European capitals, reflecting a strategic decision to concentrate capacity and streamline passenger experiences. This focus on a centralised gateway has implications for how the city manages tourism, business travel, and international connectivity, as well as for how it markets itself as a global destination.

Frequently asked questions: How many airports are in Berlin?

Q: How many airports are in Berlin today?

A: Berlin operates one primary commercial airport: Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER). Tegel and Schönefeld no longer function as independent commercial airports, having been integrated into BER. Tempelhof, while historically significant, no longer serves commercial air traffic.

Q: What happened to Tegel Airport?

A: Tegel’s conventional passenger operations ended with the opening of BER. The airfield remains a part of Berlin’s aviation history and is occasionally used for special purposes, but it is not a normal commercial passenger airport anymore.

Q: Is Tempelhof Airport still in use?

A: Tempelhof is now a large public space and historic site. It does not operate as a commercial airport, but its runways are preserved as a cultural and recreational legacy for the city.

Q: Are there any other airfields near Berlin?

A: There are other smaller airfields in the broader region, including private or military facilities, but they do not function as full-service commercial airports for Berlin’s passenger traffic.

Q: Will Berlin ever have more than one major airport again?

A: Any future changes would depend on regional demand, economic considerations, and infrastructure planning. As of now, BER remains the city’s focal point for international and domestic air travel.

Tips for travellers planning to fly to or from Berlin

• Check the BER terminal and gate information well in advance of your journey to avoid confusion at the airport.
• Account for potential rail or road congestion when selecting your arrival time, especially for early morning or late-night flights.
• Take advantage of BER’s seamless transport links to central Berlin, enabling straightforward onward travel to hotels and business districts.
• Consider lounge access or priority services if you have long layovers, particularly for international journeys.
• Stay updated on BER’s future development plans, as expansion or schedule changes can influence flight availability and connection options.

How many airports are in Berlin? A clear takeaway

In practical terms for today’s travellers, the number is simple: How many airports are in Berlin? One primary, fully operational international airport—Berlin Brandenburg Airport Willy Brandt (BER). The city’s other historic airfields—Tempelhof, Tegel, and Schönefeld—represent important chapters in Berlin’s aviation heritage or have been repurposed, rather than being active commercial airports. For people discovering Berlin’s air travel options, BER stands as the central hub of connectivity, with a legacy that reflects the city’s evolution from a divided capital to a modern, globally connected metropolis.

Putting it all together: a reader-friendly summary

To recap, How many airports are in Berlin? Today, the straightforward answer is one: BER. However, the broader answer reveals a layered history. Tempelhof’s rise and fall as a commercial airport, Tegel’s long service as a beloved city gateway, and Schönefeld’s transformation into part of BER all contribute to a narrative about how Berlin’s aviation infrastructure has developed. For visitors, the practical implication is clear: universities, businesses, and tourists now access the German capital through a single gateway, with BER offering modern facilities and improved travel connections. The city’s ambition to maintain a high standard of international accessibility rests on BER’s continued operation and its capacity to accommodate growing traveller numbers while preserving the efficiency that makes flying into Berlin convenient and reliable.