Abandoned? Not quite. BER Terminal 5, once the heart of Schönefeld Airport, whispers stories of a bygone era. This isn’t the gleaming, modern BER Terminal 1 you see today. This is its predecessor, a relic of Berlin’s divided past and a stepping stone to the airport’s complicated present. Originally opened in 1947 as Schönefeld Airport, it served as the main airport for the German Democratic Republic. It played a unique role during the Cold War. It generated revenue by allowing Western Airlines to fly into East Germany. West Berliners could also transfer through Schönefeld to catch flights not available in the West. For years, it was the busiest of Berlin’s three airports. This was before reunification lowered flight prices and shifted travel patterns.
Schönefeld Airport, located in Brandenburg just outside Berlin, always had the advantage of space. It boasted runways up to 3600m and advanced instrument landing capabilities. Yet, even with these advantages, it garnered negative reviews. The poor connection to the city, inadequate facilities, and general state of disrepair in later years contributed to its less-than-stellar reputation. As passenger numbers and flights increased, noise pollution also became a major issue. This added to the growing momentum for a new, modern airport.
With German reunification and Berlin’s resurgence as the capital, the decision was made to build a new international airport. The chosen location? Right next to Schönefeld Airport. This decision sparked protests and legal battles from local residents, but the project moved forward. During the long and troubled construction of BER Terminal 1, Schönefeld Airport continued to operate. It was a vital link for Berliners and visitors. Even after BER Terminal 1 finally opened in late 2020, Schönefeld was briefly incorporated into the new airport as “Terminal 5”.
Today, BER Terminal 5 stands silent. Its runways are quiet, its gates empty. But it holds within its walls the echoes of countless journeys, of divided families reunited, of a city on the cusp of change. The story of BER Terminal 5 is more than just the story of an airport terminal. It’s a story of Berlin itself, of a city navigating a tumultuous past and embracing an uncertain future. It’s a testament to the enduring human desire for connection, even amidst political divisions and logistical challenges. Although no longer an active terminal, BER Terminal 5 serves as a poignant reminder of Berlin’s aviation history and the complex path that led to the creation of BER.