The opening of Berlin’s new airport has been postponed because of fire safety problems.
Berlin-Brandenburg airport had been due to open on 3 June, but technical problems with fire protection systems have forced a delay.
The airport’s technical chief, Manfred Koertgen, told Reuters that while fire safety installations – notably smoke extractors – were in place, he doubted whether they could be operational by 3 June.
A statement issued by the operators of Berlin-Brandenburg airport on 8 May said:
“Up until now the project leadership team was convinced to be able to meet the deadline of the opening on 3 June, also with regard to the technical requirements concerning safety. Following several crisis meetings over the weekend, the project leadership team has reached the conclusion that the completion and subsequent acceptance tests of certain safety relevant installations was no longer possible by the planned opening date.”
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