Berlin Airlift

The Berlin Airlift was a massive humanitarian and logistical operation conducted by the Western Allies to supply West Berlin with food, fuel, and other necessities during the Soviet blockade of the city from June 24, 1948, to May 12, 1949.

The Soviet Union initiated the blockade of West Berlin in response to introducing a new currency, the Deutsche Mark, in the Western sectors of Berlin and establishing West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany) as a separate state.

West Berlin, located deep within Soviet-controlled East Germany, was effectively cut off from the outside world by road and rail, leaving air transport as the only viable means of supplying the city’s 2.5 million residents.

In response to the blockade, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Western countries launched the Berlin Airlift, also known as “Operation Vittles” (American) and “Operation Plainfare” (British).

The Berlin Airlift involved a continuous fleet of cargo planes flying supplies into West Berlin, primarily to Tempelhof Airport and later to Tegel Airport and Gatow Airfield. At its peak, planes were landing in West Berlin every few minutes.

The Western Allies organized a monumental logistical effort, mobilizing hundreds of aircraft and personnel to transport food, coal, and other essentials to sustain the people of West Berlin.

The success of the Berlin Airlift was a significant propaganda victory for the Western Allies, demonstrating their resolve and commitment to defending the freedom and independence of West Berlin against Soviet aggression.

Despite harsh weather conditions and logistical challenges, the Berlin Airlift succeeded in delivering over 2.3 million tons of supplies to West Berlin during the blockade.

The Soviet Union lifted the blockade on May 12, 1949, having failed to force the Western Allies to abandon West Berlin or reintegrate the city into East Germany.

The Berlin Airlift solidified the division of Germany and Berlin into East and West, foreshadowing the geopolitical tensions of the Cold War and the eventual construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.