From 2027 only Dahme-Spreewald taxis may pick up passengers at BER

The Dahme-Spreewald district (LDS) has terminated its agreement with Berlin at the end of this year. From 2027, only taxis from Dahme-Spreewald will be allowed to pick up passengers at BER airport, according to a report by the Berliner Zeitung. Berlin taxis will then no longer be able to wait there for fares.

The report says the district's reasoning is that passenger numbers are falling and the "cake" is getting smaller, so competition from Berlin has to go, and soon.

Richard Leipold, 70, a former Berlin taxi entrepreneur and former chairman of the Berliner Taxivereinigung, criticises the decision. He says it reminds him of GDR times and of old East-West reflexes. He also warns of long waiting times for passengers. Leipold expects the people responsible to face the consequences soon, saying the "curse of the evil deed" will catch up with them next year.

Leipold has left the industry. He has sold his vehicles and ended his contracts, but he says taxi issues still occupy him and often prompt him to disagree. Looking back on his career, he said you do not get rich in the taxi business, but you could make a living from it.