The Remarkable Six-Week Miracle: Women's Contributions at Tegel Airport

Is it true that Tegel Airport in Berlin was built primarily by women in just 6 weeks?

The original runway buildings and infrastructure at Tegel were built in an awful hurry under the oversight of the French to provide capacity for the US-led Berlin Airlift. According to Wikipedia, the groundbreaking for Tegel took place on August 5, 1948, with the first transport plane landing on November 5 of the same year, on what was then the longest runway in Europe. Modern travelers may wish that airport construction projects still went so quickly! Of course, this was more like 13 weeks than 6, but it's possible that a large portion of the work, perhaps the runway, might have been completed in six weeks.

I couldn't easily find a reference to the gender balance of the construction workforce, but given the circumstances, it is entirely probable that women would have made up a larger percentage of the workforce.

The Berlin Airlift and Tegel's Rapid Construction

The Berlin Airlift, a critical moment in post-World War II history, required a significant increase in air cargo capacity. In 1948, the American-led effort necessitated the construction of new airport facilities as the Soviet blockade had created severe shortages of essential supplies in West Berlin. Tegel Airport, located about 9 kilometers northwest of the city center, was one of the key airports chosen to aid the airlift operation.

Historical Context: The Loss of Men to the War

Germany and France, both having lost many able-bodied men during World War II, were facing a significant work force shortage in the immediate post-war period. This vacuum presented an opportunity for women to play a larger role in the reconstruction effort. Photo archives and historical documents suggest that women were employed in a variety of roles, including construction. In many countries at the time, women had been encouraged to work in traditionally male-dominated fields to support the war effort and rebuild the economy.

The Unprecedented Construction Efforts

Construction at Tegel Airport was undoubtedly challenging, with many obstacles to overcome. The hurried construction schedule required an incredible amount of coordination and dedication. It is reported that more than 300 trucks per day were used to transport materials and workers to the site. Flights of sand dunes were leveled, and groundwork for the runway and other infrastructure was completed.

Given the scarcity of able-bodied men, it's reasonable to conclude that women likely played a significant role in the construction. They may have been involved in bricklaying, transportation of materials, and other demanding tasks. Historical records from the time, such as newspaper articles and interviews, often highlight the contributions of women in rebuilding efforts, indicating that they worked alongside men to make exceptional progress.

The Legacy of Tegel Airport

Tegel Airport, which officially opened on November 5, 1948, has since played a crucial role in Berlin's development. It was the primary airport for the Federal Republic of Germany until the move to Sch?nefeld Airport in 1992. Today, Tegel is a venue for cultural and community events, and plans for redevelopment have been proposed to modernize the facilities and enhance its role in the city's transportation network.

Neglected Histories and Gender Roles in Construction

The story of Tegel Airport offers a fascinating glimpse into the underreported history of women's contributions to construction and infrastructure. During times of great need, such as during the Berlin Airlift, women's roles expanded beyond traditional boundaries. Their involvement in the dramatic construction at Tegel highlights their resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, where gender roles were being redefined.

The quick construction of Tegel underlines the potential for women to excel in roles traditionally held by men. It serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked historical contributions of women and challenges the notion that all construction was exclusively male-dominated.

Conclusion

While the exact percentage of women involved in the construction of Tegel Airport may not be definitively known, the evidence strongly suggests that they played a crucial role. The women who constructed Tegel Airport in just six weeks during the Berlin Airlift set an incredible precedence for women's involvement in construction across the world. Their contributions were instrumental in meeting the demands of the Berlin Airlift and the broader reconstruction efforts of post-war Germany.

Understanding and honoring these unsung heroes is essential for celebrating the fullstory of historical events, making the invisible visible, and recognizing the significant impact of women in construction and beyond.