1949 The blockade of West Berlin ended

65 years ago, on May 12, 1949, Stalin ended the ground blockade of West Berlin.

The blockade, established on June 21, 1948, in response to the introduction of a new currency in the western zones of German occupation, proved ineffective, as England and the United States established an air bridge to Berlin.

In total, 278,228 transport aviation flights were made and 2,326,406 tons of cargo were delivered.

During the operation of the air bridge, 31 American and 39 British pilots, as well as 13 German citizens, died as a result of disasters.