The expansion and modernization of the government terminal at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is facing a staggering cost overrun, according to projections from the Federal Agency for Real Estate Tasks (BImA). Initial estimates from 2019 anticipated a minimum of €340 million, but the agency now calculates costs reaching approximately €1.7 billion, with a potential worst-case scenario escalating to €2.5 billion.
The dramatic increase is primarily attributed to the complete relocation of the German Air Force’s government flight squadron to Schönefeld, slated for completion by 2038, coupled with a significant expansion of the fleet. A decision made in March 2022 to permanently station the squadron at Schönefeld, alongside the procurement of larger aircraft, has substantially increased the demand for parking positions and supporting infrastructure. Furthermore, revised building codes and technical regulations necessitate a substantial increase in land area, jumping from the originally planned 304,000 square meters to an estimated 570,000 square meters.
The burgeoning costs have drawn sharp criticism from Reiner Holznagel, president of the German Taxpayer Association. He labeled the project as “another prestige project of the federal government spiraling out of control” voicing concerns about the government’s inability to accurately forecast expenses at a multi-billion euro level.
Holznagel further argued that the expense explosion is “in stark contrast to the federal budget crisis” calling for an immediate halt to the project’s progression. He emphasized the need to reorient government flight operations and the transportation of high-ranking officials towards a purely functional approach, eliminating “expensive embellishments”. The situation fuels a broader debate about government spending priorities and raises questions regarding budgetary oversight at a time of increasing economic strain. This project’s cost implications are likely to intensify scrutiny of future large-scale infrastructure projects under federal administration.
