airberlin have started a new, non-stop connection from Berlin-Tegel to Basle. Attended by representatives of both countries and passengers, the route was launched amid celebrations in the border triangle.

“The Swiss Embassy wishes airberlin every success and is convinced that the new route will strengthen the political, economic and cultural ties between Berlin and Basle,” said the Swiss Embassy Envoy, Urs Hammer.

“In a globalised economy, worldwide flight schedules offer the most efficient means of transport for connecting economic players,” added France’s Envoy, Jean-Marie Demange. “The connection will simplify travel between Germany, France and Switzerland and help to bring the citizens of our three countries closer together.”

The flights, operated by Germany’s second-largest airline company, will now depart up to twice a day on the new route. The departure times, scheduled for morning and evening, will be welcomed by business travellers as well as holidaymakers wanting to spend a day in the city on the banks of the Rhine.

The integration into airberlin’s hub will provide useful onward connections. Passengers from the three-nation region can now conveniently continue on to Gothenburg, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Oslo and Stockholm. Connections to Miami and New York will also be possible from May onwards. Passengers on German domestic flights can connect to Basle, as can travellers from Scandinavia or Russia.

Dr. Till Bunse, Head of Marketing and Public Relations at Berlin Airports, said: “The connection is a further boost to the airberlin hub at Tegel Airport. Looking forward to the opening of the BBI this year, we will be continuing this successful programme of expansion in collaboration with airberlin.