Berlin's hidden WWII tunnels beneath Tempelhof Airport get urgent repairs

A major renovation project has started beneath Berlin’s historic Tempelhof Airport. Crews are repairing a hidden network of tunnels that stretch roughly five kilometres below the iconic terminal. The work focuses on fixing leaking joints to protect the structure for years ahead. The tunnels were built in the 1920s, forming a three-level system under the airport. Originally, tracks connected Hermannstraße freight station to Columbiadamm, running beneath the main concourse into a 400-metre combined road and rail tunnel. This section, known as the 'freight tunnel,' is now receiving new waterproofing and sealing to prevent further damage.

During World War II, the tunnels were taken over by Weser Flugzeugbau GmbH. Thousands of forced labourers worked there, assembling Focke-Wulf 190 fighters and Ju 87 Stuka dive bombers. After the war, the space was repurposed to transport heavy fuel oil to the airport’s heating plant until the 1980s.

Over time, parts of the tunnel system were used by city agencies for storage, archives, and technical infrastructure. The current renovation involves excavating damaged sections and reinforcing them with fresh waterproofing. The goal is to stabilise the structure while preserving its historical significance. The restored tunnels will continue serving as both a functional space and a historical landmark. They remain a physical connection to Berlin’s past, from wartime production to post-war logistics. The repairs ensure the tunnels stay safe and intact for future generations.