History of Europe

What was the Berlin Corridor?

The Berlin Air Corridor was an air corridor during the Cold War between West Berlin and West Germany. It was one of three air corridors that the Western Allies were granted use of in order to supply West Berlin, which was an enclave completely surrounded by East German territory. The Berlin Air Corridor was established in 1945 and remained in use until German reunification in 1990.

The Berlin Air Corridor was a crucial lifeline for West Berlin. During the Berlin Blockade of 1948-1949, the Western Allies used the air corridor to supply West Berlin with food and other essential goods. The Berlin Airlift, as this operation was known, was a major success and helped to ensure the survival of West Berlin.

The Berlin Air Corridor was also used for military purposes. During the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union maintained a military presence in West Berlin and East Germany, respectively. The Berlin Air Corridor was used to transport military personnel and equipment between West Germany and West Berlin.

The Berlin Air Corridor was a major flashpoint of the Cold War. On several occasions, Soviet aircraft challenged Western aircraft in the air corridor, leading to tense confrontations. However, the Berlin Air Corridor remained open throughout the Cold War and played a vital role in maintaining the security of West Berlin.