New Berlin Airport finishes operational test runs

A test run of Berlin Airport in July 2020. Photo: © Günter Wicker / Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH

Germany’s new capital airport is getting closer to its opening later this month. On Monday, the Airport operator announced that it has finished various operational test runs.

24,000 employees and 9,897 volunteers participated in testing Berlin Brandenburg Airport (IATA: BER) on a total of 47 days between April and October. The airport operator ‘Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg’ (FBB) says it is satisfied with the completed test results and continues to state that BER is ready to open on October 31st this month.

Berlin Brandenburg Airport has filled all requirements for a successful start-up. All permits have been granted, all processes have been extensively tested and all parties are well prepared for the opening.Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg (translated from German)

Testing of the airport Terminal included almost 180,000 pieces of luggage, 54,000 fake-bookings and 2,350 fake-flights to simulate real operations.

FBB says that feedback coming from the volunteers was used to implement changes and adjustments right away. Some smaller examples mentioned regarding the passenger experience, that were improved during the time, include replacing the waste bins with larger ones, improving signs and adding phone charging stations.

The new Berlin Airport was originally due to open in 2011. Because of various major issues, the airport’s opening was delayed several times. Now, BER is set to open for passengers on October 31st. It will replace Berlin’s current main airport, Tegel (IATA: TXL), which is planned to close one week later on November 8th.

Read more: New Berlin Airport approved by local authority

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