The opening date for Berlin’s new airport has been delayed for a further seven months, two years after it was originally due to open.
The Brandenburg airport was first due to open in June this year and is now set to open on 27 October 2013 despite a recent announcement that it would be ready for March 2013.
Airport authorities first called off the opening due to concerns over fire safety systems. The delay has caused airlines to continue operating from the city’s current Tegel and Schonefeld airports, while airberlin said it still intended to use Brandenburg as a hub once it is opened. It warned that the delayed opening would push back new route launches and the quality of its service.
“We are still looking forward to our new home base at BER and we are fully committed to the airport. As the market leader here in the capital, we want to consolidate our position, to grow steadily and further strengthen our hub with international long-haul routes,” said Hartmut Mehdorn, CEO of airberlin.
“It is regrettable that, following this decision, we will have to spend another summer season at Tegel. We were hoping that we would be spared this, particularly for the sake of our passengers. Tegel is already operating at maximum capacity and can hardly support further growth,” he added.
The airline is to employ more staff to help customers at Tegel.