Final Operating Day of Berlin-Tempelhof Airport

On October 30, 2008 Berlin-Tempelhof airport, ancestor of all modern airports ceased operations. Due to the dilettantish politics of Berlin government which lacks concepts and visions to use the architectural masterpiece for the benefit of its city, this unique airport at a perfect place in the future will lie as an urban waste in the heart of the German capital.

Thanks to a kind invitation for a farewell flight on board the Ju 52 of Lufthansa the author was given the chance to be on site, at this memorable day - even though the highlight itself, the flight, was cancelled due to the bad weather, suited to the occasion.

Apocalyptic sentiment: announcement of the final flights at the departure board.

Inappropriately, this major drawback for Berlins infrastructure was celebrated with with a lot of pomp ...

... and with the dissembling slogan "Thank you, Tempelhof".

On the final operating day several historic aircraft like the DC-6 of Red Bull flew from Tempelhof, ...

... while at the same time the last business jets left the site.

Authors pleasant anticipation ...

.... in the face of the beautiful view of the Ju 52 on the roofed (where else this can be found?) apron ...

... suddenly disappeared when after a short acceleration on the runway it was over.

What remains are the memories of a flight ...

... aboard the DC-3 ...

... from the same place five years ago, ...

... the sight of one of the most impressive buildings of the world ...

... and a postcard.