Preceden

Berlin Airlift Timeline

(June 24, 1948 – September 30, 1949)

The Berlin Airlift was a monumental humanitarian and logistical operation conducted by the United States, Britain, and their allies from June 1948 to September 1949. In response to the Soviet blockade of all ground and water routes into West Berlin, the Western Allies flew supplies—food, fuel, and medicine—to over two million residents of the city. The airlift delivered more than 2.3 million tons of cargo through nearly 280,000 flights, demonstrating Western resolve during the early Cold War and ultimately forcing the Soviets to lift the blockade. Less

Go to: Timeline | Event List | Key Facts | Directory

Rising Tensions

Stalin predicts US withdrawal from Germany

Jun 1945

In a June 1945 meeting, Stalin informed German communist leaders that he expected to slowly undermine the British position within their occupation zone, that the United States would withdraw within a year or two, and that nothing would then stand in the way of a united Germany under communist control within the Soviet orbit.

Image source: Berlin Blockade

Stalin predicts US withdrawal from Germany

Soviet leaders declare Germany must be communist

Jan 1, 1946

Stalin and other leaders told visiting Bulgarian and Yugoslavian delegations in early 1946 that Germany must be both Soviet and communist, signalling Moscow's long-term ambitions for the defeated nation.

Anti-communist protest vote in local elections

Jan 1, 1946

After harsh treatment, forced emigration, political repression and the particularly harsh winter of 1945–1946, Germans in the Soviet-controlled zone were hostile to Soviet endeavours. Local elections in 1946 resulted in a massive anti-communist protest vote, especially in the Soviet sector of Berlin.

Soviets halt agricultural deliveries from their zone

Jan 1, 1946

In 1946 the Soviets stopped delivering agricultural goods from their zone in eastern Germany, an early sign of economic pressure on the Western zones and Berlin.

British and American zones merged into Bizone

Jan 1, 1947

To coordinate the economies of the British and United States occupation zones, these were combined on 1 January 1947 into what was referred to as the Bizone, deepening the economic division of Germany.

Image source: Bizone

British and American zones merged into Bizone

Marshall Plan introduced

Jun 1947

The Marshall Plan, named after Secretary of State George C. Marshall, was introduced in June 1947 to rebuild Western Europe's economies. Its extension to West Germany would later provoke strong Soviet opposition.

Image source: Marshall Plan

Marshall Plan introduced

Pravda calls America's strategy fascist

Jun 12, 1947

An article by Yuliana Semyonova in Pravda on 12 June 1947 said that America's geopolitical strategy was fascist, reflecting escalating Soviet propaganda against the West.

Image source: Pravda

Pravda calls America's strategy fascist

Soviet propaganda campaign targets American way of life

Jul 31, 1947

On 31 July 1947, the Central Committee directed the newspaper Literaturnaya Gazeta to criticise and target the American way of life; Soviet posters warned against America, with one showing a Soviet soldier warning Uncle Sam to 'stop messing around'.

Image source: Literaturnaya gazeta

Soviet propaganda campaign targets American way of life

London Council of Foreign Ministers fails to reunite Germany

Nov 1947 - Dec 1947

At a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers in London in November–December 1947, the Allies could not agree among themselves to reunite Germany, hardening the division between East and West.

London 6-Power Conference on Germany's future

Jan 1, 1948 - Jun 30, 1948

Trilateral talks were held in London between the UK, US, France and the Benelux nations, meeting twice in the first half of 1948 to discuss the future of Germany, going ahead despite Soviet threats to ignore any resulting decisions.

Soviets begin stopping trains to check identities

Jan 25, 1948

In response to the announcement of the first London meeting, in late January 1948 the Soviets began stopping British and American trains to Berlin to check passenger identities, an early harassment measure.

Western powers approve Marshall Plan extension to Germany

Mar 7, 1948

As outlined in an announcement on 7 March 1948, all of the governments present approved the extension of the Marshall Plan to Germany, finalised the economic merger of the western occupation zones and agreed upon the establishment of a federal system of government for them.

Secret Soviet memorandum plans to regulate Berlin access

Mar 12, 1948

After a 9 March meeting between Stalin and his military advisers, a secret memorandum was sent to Molotov on 12 March 1948 outlining a plan to force the policy of the Western Allies into line with Soviet wishes by 'regulating' access to Berlin.

Postwar Background

Potsdam Agreement divides Germany into occupation zones

Jul 17, 1945 - Aug 2, 1945

From 17 July to 2 August 1945, the victorious Allies signed the Potsdam Agreement on the fate of postwar Europe, calling for the division of defeated Germany, west of the Oder–Neisse line, into four temporary occupation zones controlled by the United States, the United Kingdom, France and the Soviet Union.

Image source: Potsdam Agreement

Potsdam Agreement divides Germany into occupation zones

Allied Control Council approves transport agreement

Nov 30, 1945

On 30 November 1945, the Allied Control Council in Berlin approved the only written agreement regarding transportation to Berlin from the West, which would later become central to disputes over access during the blockade.

Image source: Allied Control Council

Allied Control Council approves transport agreement

The Blockade

Soviets restrict Western traffic to Berlin

Mar 25, 1948

On 25 March 1948, the Soviets issued orders restricting Western military and passenger traffic between the American, British and French occupation zones and Berlin, tightening the screws on Western access.

Restrictions eased but interruptions continue

Apr 10, 1948

The Soviets eased their restrictions on Allied military trains on 10 April 1948, but continued periodically to interrupt rail and road traffic during the next 75 days, while the United States continued supplying its military forces by using cargo aircraft.

Soviets prepare their own currency for Berlin

May 1948

Anticipating the introduction of a new currency by the countries in the non-Soviet zones, the Soviet Union in May 1948 directed its military to introduce its own new currency and to permit only the Soviet currency in their sector of Berlin if the others brought in a different currency there.

Deutsche Mark announced; Soviets halt trains and autobahn traffic

Jun 18, 1948

The day after the 18 June 1948 announcement of the new Deutsche Mark, Soviet guards halted all passenger trains and traffic on the autobahn to Berlin, delayed Western and German freight shipments and required that all water transport secure special Soviet permission.

Image source: Deutsche Mark

Deutsche Mark announced; Soviets halt trains and autobahn traffic

Stalin orders full blockade of Berlin

Jun 24, 1948 - May 12, 1949

On 24 June 1948, Stalin ordered Soviet troops to block all rail and barge traffic in and out of Berlin, beginning one of the first major international crises of the Cold War and cutting off West Berlin from supplies by land and water.

The Airlift

Operation Vittles launched

Jun 25, 1948

On 25 June 1948, General Lucius D. Clay gave the order to launch Operation Vittles, beginning the American airlift of supplies into blockaded West Berlin.

Image source: Berlin Blockade

Operation Vittles launched

LeMay appoints Joseph Smith as Airlift Task Force commander

Jun 28, 1948

On 28 June 1948, General Curtis LeMay appointed Brigadier General Joseph Smith, commander of the installation at Wiesbaden, as the Berlin Airlift Task Force Commander.

Image source: Joseph Smith

LeMay appoints Joseph Smith as Airlift Task Force commander

MATS C-54s arrive at Wiesbaden

Jun 30, 1948

MATS had been established weeks prior to Operation Vittles, and they became involved on 30 June 1948, when 35 MATS C-54s with crews arrived at Wiesbaden to aid the operation.

Image source: Military Air Transport Service

MATS C-54s arrive at Wiesbaden

New asphalt runway constructed at Tempelhof

Jul 1948 - Sep 1948

Since the existing system could not endure through the winter, between July and September 1948 a 1,800-metre (5,900 ft)-long asphalt runway was constructed at Tempelhof, with the auxiliary runway upgraded from Marston Matting to asphalt between September and October 1948.

Image source: Berlin Tempelhof Airport

New asphalt runway constructed at Tempelhof

Airlift scales up with over 100 C-47s delivering supplies

Jul 2, 1948

On 2 July 1948, approximately 100 C-47s from the European Air Transport Service were delivering supplies to Berlin, and by 20 July the USAF had increased its contribution to 105 C-47s and 54 C-54s.

Image source: Douglas C-47 Skytrain

Airlift scales up with over 100 C-47s delivering supplies

General Clay featured on cover of Time

Jul 8, 1948

General Lucius D. Clay, the American military governor who ordered the airlift, was featured on the cover of Time magazine on 8 July 1948, reflecting his prominence during the crisis.

Image source: Lucius D. Clay

General Clay featured on cover of Time

National Security Council recognises need for long-term airlift

Jul 22, 1948

This was recognised by the United States National Security Council at a meeting with Clay on 22 July 1948, when it became clear that a long-term airlift was necessary to sustain West Berlin.

Image source: United States National Security Council

National Security Council recognises need for long-term airlift

Tunner appointed to oversee Airlift Task Force

Jul 23, 1948

On 23 July 1948, Major General William H. Tunner was made commander by Headquarters USAF to oversee the provisional Airlift Task Force Headquarters at Wiesbaden, including maintenance of facilities, air traffic control equipment and supporting personnel.

Image source: William H. Tunner

Tunner appointed to oversee Airlift Task Force

Tunner arrives in Wiesbaden to take over operation

Jul 28, 1948

On 28 July 1948, Tunner arrived in Wiesbaden to take over the airlift operation, bringing experience from commanding the Hump airlift over the Himalayas during World War II.

Airlift Task Force (Provisional) formed

Jul 30, 1948

On 30 July 1948, the Airlift Task Force (Provisional) was formed; however, there were coordination issues between the British and American operations due to increasing air traffic.

Plans made to expand operations to RAF Fassberg

Aug 4, 1948

Tunner wanted to expand American operation bases closer to Berlin, and on 4 August 1948 preliminary plans were put in place for expansion to RAF Fassberg in the British sector.

Image source: Faßberg

Plans made to expand operations to RAF Fassberg

Tunner complains about shortage of air traffic controllers

Aug 21, 1948

Tunner complained to the MATS commander on 21 August 1948, writing that they were lacking air traffic controllers in the Air Force as flight volumes grew dramatically.

Airlift exceeds 1,500 flights and 4,500 tons daily

Aug 31, 1948

By the end of August 1948, after two months, the airlift was succeeding: daily operations flew more than 1,500 flights a day and delivered more than 4,500 tons of cargo, enough to keep West Berlin supplied.

CALTF established to coordinate Allied airlift

Oct 15, 1948

Following discussions, the Combined Airlift Task Force (CALTF) was officially established on 15 October 1948 and controlled both the USAFE and RAF lift operations from a central location, resolving earlier coordination problems.

Winter weather severely hampers airlift operations

Dec 1948 - Feb 1949

The winter of 1948–1949 was one of the worst on record and resulted in fog, low ceilings and low visibility; the Allies used technology such as ground-controlled approach radar as mitigation to keep aircraft flying.

Major General Laurence Kuter takes command

Jan 1949

In January 1949, Major General Laurence S. Kuter took overall command of the airlift operation, continuing the effort to keep West Berlin supplied through the difficult winter months.

Image source: Laurence S. Kuter

Major General Laurence Kuter takes command

Easter Parade: record tonnage flown in 24 hours

Apr 15, 1949 - Apr 16, 1949

By April 1949, airlift operations were running smoothly and Tunner wanted to shake up his command to discourage complacency. From noon on 15 April to noon on 16 April 1949, crews worked around the clock in the famous 'Easter Parade', delivering a record amount of cargo to demonstrate the airlift's capability.

Roy Mather sets record with 404th blockade flight

Aug 18, 1949

On 18 August 1949, Flt Lt Roy Mather DFC AFC and his crew flew back to Wunstorf for the 404th time during the blockade, the record number of flights for any pilot of any nationality, either civilian or military.

Image source: Royal Air Force

Roy Mather sets record with 404th blockade flight

Political Struggle in Berlin

Soviets offer free food for East Berlin ration cards

Aug 1, 1948 - Aug 4, 1948

Starting on 1 August 1948, the Soviets offered free food to anyone who crossed into East Berlin and registered their ration cards there; almost 22,000 Berliners received their cards by 4 August 1948.

Red Army Choir performs soft-power offensive

Aug 1948 - Sep 1948

In late August and early September 1948, a soft-power offensive began, with the Red Army Choir (the Alexandrov Ensemble) performing for mass audiences in public squares of the Soviet Zone.

Image source: Alexandrov Ensemble

Red Army Choir performs soft-power offensive

Opinion poll shows Berliners favour US-sponsored RIAS radio

Aug 1948

An opinion poll in August 1948 showed that 80 percent of those polled listened most to RIAS, a US-sponsored radio station in Berlin, whereas only 15 percent listened more to Radio Berlin, a Soviet-run station.

City parliament moves meetings to Technische Hochschule

Sep 1948

In the autumn of 1948 it became impossible for the non-Communist majority in Greater Berlin's citywide parliament to attend sessions at city hall within the Soviet sector. The parliament decided to meet instead in the canteen of the Technische Hochschule in Berlin in the British sector, boycotted by SED members.

Image source: Technical University of Berlin

City parliament moves meetings to Technische Hochschule

500,000 gather at Brandenburg Gate for freedom rally

Sep 9, 1948

On 9 September 1948, a crowd of 500,000 people gathered at the Brandenburg Gate, next to the ruined Reichstag in the British sector, demonstrating support for the elected city government against Soviet pressure.

Free Shops open in East Berlin and Brandenburg

Nov 1948

By November 1948, so-called Free Shops began in East Berlin and Brandenburg allowing West Berliners to purchase provisions using the Eastmark, part of Soviet efforts to draw West Berliners eastward.

Image source: East German mark

Free Shops open in East Berlin and Brandenburg

SED holds unconstitutional 'extraordinary city assembly'

Nov 30, 1948

On 30 November 1948 the SED gathered its elected parliament members and 1,100 further activists and held an unconstitutional so-called 'extraordinary city assembly' in East Berlin's Metropol-Theater which declared the elected city government deposed and replaced it with a new one led by Oberbürgermeister Friedrich Ebert Jr.

Image source: Friedrich Ebert Jr.

SED holds unconstitutional 'extraordinary city assembly'

West Berlin elections deliver overwhelming anti-communist result

Dec 5, 1948

The city parliament voted for its re-election on 5 December 1948, inhibited in the eastern sector and denounced by the SED as a Spalterwahl ('divisive election'). Turnout amounted to 86.3% of the western electorate, with the SPD gaining 64.5% of votes, the CDU 19.4%, and the LDP 16.1%; almost 85 percent of West Berliners voted against communist parties.

Ernst Reuter elected Lord Mayor of West Berlin

Dec 7, 1948

On 7 December 1948 the new, de facto West-Berlin-only city parliament elected a new city government headed by Lord Mayor Ernst Reuter, who had already once been elected lord mayor in early 1946 but had been prevented from taking office by a Soviet veto.

Image source: Ernst Reuter

Ernst Reuter elected Lord Mayor of West Berlin

300,000 rally at Brandenburg Gate against East German violence

Sep 9, 1949

On 9 September 1949, a rally of nearly 300,000 Berliners gathered at the Brandenburg Gate to protest against the violence of the East German authorities, showing continued resistance to communist control.

Image source: Brandenburg Gate

300,000 rally at Brandenburg Gate against East German violence

End and Legacy

TASS reports Soviet willingness to lift blockade

Apr 25, 1949

On 25 April 1949, the Soviet news agency TASS reported a willingness by the Soviets to lift the blockade, signalling a possible end to the crisis.

Image source: TASS

TASS reports Soviet willingness to lift blockade

Clay saluted by 11,000 US soldiers upon departure

May 1949

General Clay, whose retirement had been announced by President Truman, was saluted by 11,000 US soldiers and dozens of aircraft as he departed Berlin, honouring his leadership during the crisis.

Truman announces General Clay's retirement

May 3, 1949

General Clay's retirement had been announced by US President Truman on 3 May 1949, shortly before the end of the blockade he had done so much to overcome.

Allies announce agreement to end blockade

May 4, 1949

On 4 May 1949, the Allies announced an agreement to end the blockade in eight days, setting the stage for the restoration of normal supply routes to West Berlin.

Soviet blockade of Berlin lifted

May 12, 1949

The Soviet blockade of Berlin was lifted at one minute after midnight on 12 May 1949, due to economic issues in East Berlin, ending eleven months of siege. For a time the Americans and British continued to supply the city by air, worried the Soviets might resume the blockade.

Three months' worth of supplies amassed in Berlin

Jul 24, 1949

By 24 July 1949, three months' worth of supplies had been amassed in West Berlin, providing a buffer in case the Soviets attempted to reimpose the blockade.

Berlin Airlift officially ends after fifteen months

Sep 30, 1949

The Berlin Airlift officially ended on 30 September 1949 after fifteen months, having carried supplies to the people of West Berlin throughout the blockade in one of history's greatest humanitarian aviation efforts.

West Germany drawn into NATO orbit

Jan 1, 1955

The airlift played a major role in aligning West Berlin with the United States and Britain as the major protecting powers, and in drawing West Germany into the NATO orbit several years later in 1955.

Image source: NATO

West Germany drawn into NATO orbit

Berlin conflict continues until construction of Berlin Wall

Jan 1, 1961

The airlift led to major-power conflict over Berlin that stretched at least from 1946 to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, as Khrushchev repeatedly tried to push Eisenhower and later Kennedy on the status of the city.

Image source: Berlin Wall

Berlin conflict continues until construction of Berlin Wall

Key Facts

  1. The Berlin Airlift began on June 24, 1948, in response to the Soviet blockade of all land and water routes into West Berlin.
  2. Allied aircraft delivered over 2.3 million tons of supplies, including food, coal, and medicine, to West Berlin's roughly two million residents.
  3. At its peak, planes landed at Tempelhof Airport every few minutes—sometimes as often as once every 45 seconds—in an operation known as 'Operation Vittles' by the Americans.
  4. The 'Raisin Bombers' (Rosinenbomber) became famous for pilots dropping candy on tiny parachutes to Berlin's children, a gesture that won German goodwill.
  5. The Soviet Union lifted the blockade on May 12, 1949, though flights continued until September 30, 1949, to build up surplus supplies in case of renewed blockades.

Source

This Berlin Airlift timeline was generated with the help of AI, using information found on the internet.

We work hard to keep these timelines accurate, but mistakes do get through. If you spot one, email us at [email protected] and we'll fix it for future visitors.

Want a timeline like this one?

Generate yours with AI or build it from scratch, for free.

Try It for Free