Subway extension to BER: Prevent traffic chaos and create jobs!

Subway extension to BER: Prevent traffic chaos and create jobs!

The annual meeting of the Municipal Working Group Dialogforum Airport Berlin Brandenburg took place on December 3, 2025. This time the focus was on mobility in the capital region. A central topic of the meeting was the desired extension of subway line 7 towards BER Airport. The members of the working group emphasized the high traffic significance of this route for the commercial and residential locations in Schönefeld, Neukölln and Treptow-Köpenick. A connection between the airport and the subway network was highlighted as a crucial component for the sustainable development of the airport region. Helmut Barthel, the chairman of the dialogue forum, called for political cooperation between Berlin, Brandenburg and the federal government regarding the planning, financing and implementation of the project.

Particular attention was paid to the results of a benefit-cost analysis. This study, which was carried out by Intraplan Consult GmbH on behalf of the Berlin Senate Department for Mobility, proves the economic advantages of the U7 extension. The benefits significantly exceed the investment costs and a necessary threshold has been exceeded. Those involved are also looking forward to the additional up to seven new stations and a final stop at BER Airport, which would significantly improve access for travelers. The municipality of Schönefeld also sees the need for this expansion in order to meet the growth in traffic in the region, and Mayor Christian Hentschel has emphasized the urgency of a subway connection in order to avoid traffic chaos.

Funding and political support

The further course of the project is strongly linked to political decisions. The mayor of Berlin, Franziska Giffey, supports the initiative and emphasizes that the U7 extension has the greatest potential of all subway extensions, with up to 40,000 passengers per day. Not only could this bring added value to communities, but it could also create up to 90,000 jobs. The total cost of the U7 extension is estimated at up to 890 million euros, while the next step is to develop a concrete funding application and a joint financing strategy between the states, municipalities and institutions involved. However, federal funding is still open.

Long-term perspectives

The measure is not only intended to increase environmentally friendly transport, but is also a political priority according to the state governments. The land use plan of the state of Berlin provides for long-term prospects for the route, while the route is to be expanded from the Rudow subway station to the Schönefeld S-Bahn station and finally to the BER terminal. This stage enables rapid implementation and flexibility for future requirements.

During the meeting, a new leader was also appointed for the aircraft noise working group. Markus Mücke, mayor of Schulzendorf, was farewelled, and Michael Schwuchow, mayor of Blankenfelde-Mahlow, was unanimously elected as the new leader. This shows that the dialogue on other important issues in the airport region also remains active. The infrastructural challenges will have to remain in view in the future in order to make the region attractive for all population groups. While the construction of new routes and the ongoing maintenance of the existing network continue to enjoy high priority, the necessary agreements have already been made in the transport contract between the state of Berlin and BVG AöR.

Reports and information about current projects, such as the U7 extension, are anchored in the state of Berlin's local transport plan, which is specifically aimed at improving infrastructure and accessibility. Every step counts in order to make mobility in the capital region sustainable and increase the quality of life.