FactSentinel

The Berlin Airlift stands as one of the most remarkable logistical achievements in modern history. In June 1948, the Soviet Union blockaded all ground and water routes into West Berlin, attempting to force the Western Allies out of the city by cutting off food, fuel, and other essential supplies to its roughly 2 million residents. Rather than abandon the city or risk armed conflict by forcing the blockade, the United States and United Kingdom, joined later by other allies, chose to supply Berlin entirely through the air corridors that remained open under existing agreements.

The operation ran from June 1948 to September 1949, spanning approximately 15 months, though the Soviet blockade itself was lifted in May 1949 after about 11 months. At its peak, cargo planes landed in Berlin every few minutes, delivering coal, food, medicine, and other necessities. Allied aircraft flew over 200,000 flights, transporting more than 2.3 million tons of supplies. This sustained effort demonstrated that an entire city could be kept functioning through airlift alone, a feat previously untested at this scale.

A common misconception is that the airlift lasted only as long as the blockade itself. In reality, Allied forces continued flying supplies for several months after the Soviets reopened ground routes, both to build stockpiles and to demonstrate resolve. The operation's success also proved pivotal in shaping Cold War policy, reinforcing Western commitment to West Berlin and contributing to the formation of NATO later that year.