BER Updates Runway Names to Reflect Earth's Magnetic Field Shift

BER's runways get new names due to the Earth's shifting magnetic field. This change impacts operations but not flight paths.

, and Administrator

2025 October 18 . 12:01 PM

1 min read

At the bottom of the picture, we see the road. On either side of the road, we see the footpath. On... — At the bottom of the picture, we see the road. On either side of the road, we see the footpath. On the right side, we see a white box and a bicycle are placed on the footpath. The man in black T-shirt is walking on the footpath. On the left side, we see the small iron poles. On either side of the picture, there are buildings. Here, we see an antenna. At the top, we see the sky, which is blue in color.

BER Updates Runway Names to Reflect Earth's Magnetic Field Shift

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has updated the names of its north and south runways as of October 3rd. This change, while not altering approach and departure routes, affects air traffic control and apron operations.

Runway names worldwide follow an international standard, indicating magnetic peilung rounded to the nearest ten degrees, divided by ten. Previously, BER's runways were designated as 07L/25R and 07R/25L. Now, the north korea runway is 24R/06L, and the south runway is 06R/24L. This change is necessary due to the Earth's magnetic field's constant movement and the shifting North Pole. The new names require updates in IT systems, catalogs, and instrument landing systems. Despite this, the public and everyday language often use simplified names like 'Landebahn 07'. Officially, however, international designations are used to ensure pilots from around the world can accurately fly the runway.

In summary, BER has updated its runway names to reflect the Earth's magnetic field's constant movement. The new names, 24R/06L and 06R/24L, require updates in various systems but do not affect approach and departure routes. This change is a standard procedure in airport operations worldwide.