International Perception
1. How does Berlin’s international reputation depend on its airport connectivity?

Air connectivity is a major factor for the capital region of Berlin-Brandenburg. A performant airport is important for incoming tourism and the cultural and socio-political exchange with countries all over the world.

Due to the historic development of Germany after World War II, with the country divided into East and West, the German flag carrier Lufthansa has developed its hubs in Frankfurt am Main and Munich, although the company was originally founded in Berlin.

Our airport, Berlin-Brandenburg Willy Brandt, in short BER, is not a classic hub airport, but it belongs to the so-called Mega airports in Europe, and it is Germany’s third-largest airport in terms of passenger numbers behind Frankfurt and Munich. 70 airlines connect Germany’s capital region with up to 150 destinations in 50 countries and vice versa. Apart from many cities and holiday destinations in Europe, the airport also offers excellent connectivity via European and international hubs and direct long-haul connections to New York, Toronto, Montreal, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, and Beijing, including many connecting options all over the world. We are constantly in exchange with all relevant airlines to add more connections to the network.

2. In your view, what role does BER play in shaping the first impression of Germany’s capital for incoming delegations and global travelers?

As the airport is the first and last impression that many international guests in the region experience, it is of utmost importance to us that they have a smooth and efficient passenger experience. In the five years since the opening of the airport, we have invested a large amount into state-of-the-art equipment for check-in and security controls. Passengers profit from 24 security lanes with modern CT scanners in terminals 1 and 2, where they do not need to unpack electronic devices and liquids from their carry-on luggage. We also entirely redesigned the passport control area for departing passengers to streamline processes. These measures have led to significant improvements in process times. Waiting times at the security checks have dropped considerably to 5 minutes on average. 95 percent of passengers receive their baggage within 30 minutes after touchdown of the aircraft.

BER airport is very well connected to the public transport system of the region. Regional and long-distance trains as well as the S-Bahn lines stop in the large underground station below the terminal 1 building. From there, passengers only need 3 to 5 minutes to reach most check-in desks and security controls. From December 14th, 2025, the airport express train FEX from Berlin city centre will depart every 15 minutes. Also, travelling time from Berlin Central Station to BER airport will be reduced from the current 39 minutes to 23 minutes due to a renovated railway line.

Connectivity & Missing Links

1. Which routes or destinations are still missing in BER’s network to fully reflect Berlin’s role as a diplomatic and cultural hub?

Destinations all over the world can be reached from BER airport via the well-developed network. Among the most frequented unserved direct long-haul routes are Bangkok, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Hanoi, Seoul, San Francisco, Singapore, São Paulo, and Mexico City.

Our teams are working hard to attract airlines for more international connections and, particularly, more long-haul routes. As a result, Air Canada has just announced a new direct route from Montreal to BER starting in summer 2026. The renowned airline will deploy a brand-new aircraft type, the Airbus A321 XLR, which will be used for long-haul flights in Germany for the first time. This aircraft offers great potential for long-distance point-to-point connections from BER. We expect airlines to offer more of those based on this new aircraft, which can reach, for example, Delhi, Boston, and Chicago from BER.

2. How do you balance commercial demands with the specific needs of diplomacy, politics, and culture when developing new connections?

It is always a decision of the airlines to offer new connections, mainly based on commercial factors such as demand and profitability on both ends. We are supporting these decisions of the airlines with market studies in constant exchange with all relevant airlines, communication, and with our presence at travel and route fairs all over the world.

Diplomacy & Strategic Role

1. Beyond infrastructure: How can BER actively support Berlin’s diplomatic ecosystem?

BER airport has all the facilities relevant to the diplomatic ecosystem. We offer three airport lounges and a VIP service, including limousine transfer to the aircraft. Our large VIP area „Zeitgeist“ provides all amenities and offers our exclusive guests from around the world attractive and discreet alternatives for a pleasant stay at the airport. In addition, BER airport also has a General Aviation Terminal for diplomatic and business flights.

2. Can an airport serve as a stage for international dialogue – not only as a logistical hub but also as a place of symbolic representation?

The naming of the Capital Airport „Willy Brandt“ pays tribute to our internationally highly respected former German chancellor and statesman, who successfully promoted international understanding and the expansion of cross-border encounters. We take pride in carrying forward his strong belief in freedom, which is engraved in a central wall in Terminal 1. Another stage for symbolic representation at the airport is the government terminal that serves flights of the German government and arrivals of incoming state visitors operated by the Ministry of Defence.

3. If you could describe BER’s diplomatic role for Berlin in one sentence, what would it be?

Since its opening five years ago, BER airport has become the gateway to the world for the entire German capital region – it stands for freedom, openness and peaceful coexistence.