Berlin to expand rail and flight routes for the East - Berlin’s New Leader Pushes for Transport and Economic Growth in Eastern Germany
Kai Wegner, Berlin’s Governing Mayor, has taken over as chair of the Conference of Eastern German State Premiers. The handover from Thuringia’s Mario Voigt marks a shift in focus towards transport, infrastructure, and economic growth for the region.
Wegner has already outlined plans to boost intercontinental flights at BER Airport and secure major events like the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) for Berlin-Brandenburg. He also sees Berlin’s potential Olympic bid as a way to drive investment across eastern Germany.
The leadership change took place during a symbolic ceremony in Berlin. Wegner succeeds Mario Voigt, who led the conference for the past year. Under Voigt’s term, eastern Germany gained greater political visibility, with Thuringia highlighting its cultural and technological contributions—from traditional dumplings to modern innovations.
Berlin now aims to push for better transport links across the region. The city will closely monitor federal funding to ensure it supports key projects, particularly in rail and air travel. Current figures show BER Airport operating just eight intercontinental flights daily, far behind Munich and Frankfurt, which each handle over 200.
Key rail upgrades are also on the agenda. Plans include expanding the Dresdner Bahn between Berlin Südkreuz and Blankenfelde to speed up connections to Dresden and Prague. Another priority is modernising the Anhalter Bahn, linking Berlin Hauptbahnhof to Leipzig/Halle via Berlin Südkreuz and Bitterfeld. New tracks and switches will improve capacity and reduce delays.
Wegner’s term will focus on securing long-term benefits for eastern Germany. His administration wants to turn the Olympic bid into a broader investment programme, spreading economic opportunities beyond Berlin. The city will also work to keep major industry events, like the ILA, in the region to strengthen its aerospace sector.
Berlin’s chairmanship of the eastern states will prioritise transport upgrades and economic development. The city plans to expand BER’s flight network, improve rail connections, and attract federal funding for key projects. If successful, these efforts could reshape travel and business opportunities across eastern Germany.
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