The Royal Air Force begins transporting German civilians

In Berlin-Gatow, it was of utmost importance to ensure the continuous and smooth transportation of goods to West Berlin. Yet, during almost the entire period of the Berlin Airlift – with the exception of a few weeks – the Allies allowed the transportation of civilians in the planes returning from Gatow and Tempelhof.

Considering the impending winter, civilian airlines decided to consolidate all their resources and capacities. As a result, the private airline British European Airways (BEA) suspended its passenger return flights on October 8, 1948. However, by October 18, the RAF resumed transporting German civilians on the return flights from Berlin to Lübeck. Over time, the military transportation of German civilians from West Berlin became established with set procedures and quotas. By March 11, 1949, the Royal Air Force had transported almost 50,000 German civilians from Berlin-Gatow to Lübeck.