The runways of Berlin Brandenburg Airport change name

From 3 October 2024, the two runways at Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) will receive new official designations. The north and south runways retain their informal names, but the identification codes used for air navigation have been updated. The north runway, currently identified as 25R/07L, has been renamed 24R/06L, while the south runway is changed from 07R/25L to 06R/24L.

 

This change is necessary due to the constant movement of the Earth's magnetic field, which causes the North Pole to shift several kilometers annually. The airport runways are all oriented according to the degrees of the wind rose, derived from the angle that the runway forms with respect to the geomagnetic North Pole. When the magnetic variation becomes too significant, air traffic control authorities require a correction of the designations. This adjustment takes place at different time intervals around the world, depending on local conditions. However, despite the change in identification codes, the approach and take-off routes will remain unchanged.

 

While the variation may seem minimal, it is crucial to ensure seamless cooperation between all partners involved in airport operations, both on the ground and in the air. Runway identifiers, which are visible during approach phases, play an essential role in safe air navigation. The remarking of runways and the replacement of taxiway markings already began on 25 September, and preparations for this change have been planned in cooperation with partners such as Deutsche Flugsicherung (DFS) and airlines. All relevant systems, documents and records are updated to reflect the new designations, as well as instrument landing systems and meteorological equipment present at Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER)