The closure of 'Tegel' airport in Berlin
The former 'Tegel' airport in Berlin, which has served as the largest reception point for Ukrainians since 2022, is being prepared for complete closure in its current format. According to Deutsche Welle, the city plans to complete the relocation of refugees in the coming months and convert the area of the former airport into a new residential and technology district.
Change in accommodation and relocation conditions
Berlin officials explain the decision to reduce the center due to the significant decrease in the number of arriving Ukrainians and the transition to decentralized accommodation. This means distributing the load among different points and creating friendly relations among residents. Plans are in place to create an additional 8600 places for refugees in smaller centers.
Relocation and conditions
Throughout the summer, Ukrainians have been actively transferred to other shelters. Ukrainian refugees received fewer residents in rooms and more privacy. However, there are problems with access to bathrooms. Smaller centers provide more private space and the ability to prepare food independently.
'We live in trailers in a hangar... The food here is better,' - said Volodymyr from Poltava about the conditions in 'Tempelhof'.
18-year-old Viktor from the Kyiv region notes the advantages of smaller centers but regrets the loss of support and communication with the Ukrainian community that was present in 'Tegel'.
Future development of the area
A new urban district, which includes a science and technology park, residential quarter, schools, kindergartens, sports grounds, and a park, is planned to be created at the site of the former refugee accommodation center. The total budget for the project is about 8 billion euros, and the active construction phase is planned for 2026.
Despite the liquidation of the current camp, 'Tegel' will be repurposed into a standard EU center for the arrival of refugees with residential containers. Up to 2600 people will be able to reside temporarily here at least until 2031.
After the closure of 'Tegel' airport in Berlin, Ukrainians will be relocated to smaller centers with improved living conditions. The area of the former airport is planned to be transformed into a new, developed residential and technology district with schools, sports grounds, and a park.