Germany: Berlin Brandenburg airport ‘on track’; no opening date set

Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BER) has announced it has completed 80% of the milestones in planning and construction of the airport terminal; however, the much-delayed airport project has yet to commit to an opening date. Construction work on the new airport began in 2006. BER was originally scheduled to open in October 2011, but that was delayed to May 2012 and then to 2017 following major construction problems and technical issues, especially concerning fire protection installations. “We will only state a date for the opening of BER after a reliable basis has been achieved. This requires, among others, approval for the sixth and last amendment to planning permission,” acting mayor of Berlin and chairman of the airport operator board Michael Müller said. Berlin Brandenburg CEO Karsten Mühlenfeld said that so far it was possible to complete the crucial mechanical aspects of the smoke extraction system, thanks to approval for the fifth amendment. “Construction work in Main Pier North and Main Pier South are still pending, expert audit approvals are being performed. At the same time, technical initial operation is also being performed in these parts of the building. Currently the focus is on Main Pier North. Functions and integration tests are now being implemented here.” In addition, the construction and function testing, as well as proof of concept, must be completed for Main Pier North. Furthermore, the airport operator will also have to decide in advance just how the terminal can be used during necessary trial operations. Now we have to resolve the other remaining challenges, such as completion of construction and the startup of technical systems, as well as the trial operation, as quickly as possible, but above all reliably and safely,” Müller said.<br/>