Photo Gallery Mounting Problems for Berlin's New Airport
Berlin's new airport was supposed to open on June 3. But problems with fire safety equipment have resulted in a delay until next spring. Even that, however, might be a stretch due to enormous financing problems that are only just now coming to the surface.
Berlin Mayor Klaus Wowereit is also the chairman of the board of the airport's operating company. He should have long been aware of the financial problems facing his pet project.
The airport's terminal was originally set to cost 620 million. The final price tag will likely be close to double that total.
Originally, the states of Berlin and Brandenburg in combination with the federal government planned to kick in 430 million toward to project. Because of the finance crisis, however, they ultimately had to guarantee fully 2.4 billion in loans.
For the moment, Berlin's two older airports continue to handle the German capital's air traffic. But keeping those airports running beyond their planned closure promises to cost some 150 million. In addition, several law suits are looming.
Politicians are now warning that, without secure financing, the airport may not be able to open next spring as currently planned.
