Berlin Brandenburg Airport (Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg or BER) was conceived to replace the aging Tegel and Schönefeld airports, with planning beginning in the early 2000s. Construction officially commenced in 2006 with an expected completion date set for 2011. However, the project was plagued by a series of setbacks including design flaws, construction delays, financial mismanagement, and a number of scandals involving corruption and improper procurement practices. Originally touted as a flagship project for Germany's infrastructure, BER became emblematic of bureaucratic inefficiency and mismanagement.

The airport's opening on October 31, 2020, marked the culmination of nearly ten years of delays, making it one of the longest construction projects in the history of modern aviation. The airport features a state-of-the-art terminal and modern amenities designed to accommodate more than 40 million passengers annually. Its design focuses on sustainability and accessibility, with plans to integrate various modes of transportation into the facility.

Finally operational, BER aims to serve as a vital gateway to Europe, and its opening was celebrated as a crucial step forward for Berlin's transportation infrastructure. This new airport not only facilitates easier travel for millions but also holds the potential for economic revitalization in a city looking to solidify its status as a prominent European hub. Despite the long delays, the airport aims to bolster Berlin's appeal in a post-COVID-19 world, where travel patterns and demands may significantly shift.