airberlin to continue operating from Berlin Tegel amid postponed opening of Berlin Brandenburg

airberlin stated (09-May-2012) following the announcement of the postponed opening of Berlin Brandenburg International Airport, it has assigned a "Tegel" Task Force to adapt the expanded flight schedule, designed for the new airport, to the conditions of the old airport, Berlin Tegel. airberlin CEO Hartmut Mehdorn, noting the challenges which now confront the airline, stated, "The situation is extremely tricky, as we have to contact at least one million passengers individually to inform them about their airport of departure or arrival. In addition, airberlin's expanded and more ambitious flight schedule, planned for BER, now has to be handled using the old infrastructure at Tegel Airport, in the summer season, of all times". Mr Mehdorn also emphasised how important the new airport is as a hub for airberlin. "We are still looking forward to the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport, where we will be able to provide our passengers with a much improved service. But to do this, we need a new and reliable date for the opening of the airport, preferably after the end of our summer schedule." [more - original PR]