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View over the capital's airport
Photo: Ralf Hirschberger / picture alliance / dpa
Berlin Airport Director Engelbert Lütke Daldrup is sounding the alarm in view of the corona crisis.
Lütke Daldrup told the Handelsblatt newspaper that the crisis hit the capital city airport BER "fortunately at a time when the construction was as good as possible".
"From an economic point of view, the situation is dramatic. We are experiencing the biggest air traffic crisis since the Second World War."
BER lost one million euros every day in April and May.
State aid is needed to maintain the airport's liquidity.
"We will need further help from our owners," said Lütke Daldrup, referring to the airport owners in Berlin, Brandenburg and the federal government.
Even with a vaccine, it is not certain that "the joy of carefree travel" will return.
"If things go well from spring on, we will be able to build on old times very quickly," said the airport boss.
"Otherwise next year will be pretty difficult for us too."
It would take three to four years, maybe five, until the pre-Corona level was reached.
The business planning before Corona provided a positive result from 2025, explained Lütke Daldrup.
When the first profits are now possible is a question that no one can answer - not even the airlines.
"I also can't answer which airline will still be in existence next year."
As bitter as it may be, everyone must currently drive on sight.
But the further development will depend heavily on when effective vaccines are available and in which countries.
"That is how long we have all had a serious problem in the aviation industry."
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