Red-faced authorities said last Tuesday they had delayed indefinitely the opening of Berlin’s new main airport due to fire safety problems, in a shock move that angered politicians and the industry.

Berlin-Brandenburg International Airport is designed to replace the region’s current two hubs, Schoenefeld and Tegel and was to welcome its first flights on June 3.

Airport chief Rainer Schwarz said he was now aiming for an opening “after the summer break”, probably in August, without setting a date.

Brandenburg state premier Matthias Platzeck assured travellers there was no reason to think that those who had already booked flights this summer would face cancellations, noting that Schoenefeld and Tegel would continue operations.

But Germany’s state-owned air traffic service DFS said it would require adjustments throughout the global air traffic network.

Air Malta currently flies to Berlin Tegel.

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