ABSTRACT
This chapter traces the development of the new Berlin Airport and identifies the main reasons that led to a substantial delay in the opening of the new airport and to a significant escalation of costs. The new entity was charged with the responsibility for planning and building a new central airport in the region south of Berlin, which was expected to replace the current three airport system serving the city. Bernd Putter of Hochtief argued that breaking the project up into lots would make it more complex and result in a completion date much later than originally planned. On 8 May 2012, the planned opening date of 3 June that year was cancelled, citing major technical issues, especially with respect to fire protection and smoke-extraction systems. The embarrassing cancellation of the planned June 2012 opening and further delayed opening plans resulted in further political casualties and personnel changes.
