Sixty years after the Tempelhof airport was at the centre of a round-the-clock Allied operation flying in food and fuel to break a Soviet blockade of the Western section of Berlin, the historic airstrip is at the heart of a new battle.
The 14-month-long so-called "air bridge" mounted by the allies in 1948-49 was a turning point in post-war European history, negating Moscow's bid to drive the Western powers from the city and turn Berlin into a communist stronghold.
Located in the heart of the German capital with a Nazi-era, circular-shaped terminal building resembling an eagle in flight, Tempelhof was built as gateway to Hitler's 1000-year Reich.
"For West Berliners, Tempelhof airport is both a symbol and a monument," said Baerbel Grimm, a receptionist, who remembers the Allied effort to save the city from starvation.
A decision by Berlin authorities to close the airport in October as part of plans for a new international airport on the outskirts of Berlin has aroused passions.
"I remember the critical role that Tempelhof played in the days of the Luftbruecke," Ms Grimm said. "I would prefer that it stays open."
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