Air BerlinBER/ AB

Air Berlin was a major German airline headquartered in Berlin that operated from 1978 until its collapse in 2017. The airline primarily operated scheduled passenger flights across Europe and the Mediterranean, with key hubs in Berlin and Düsseldorf, serving both leisure and business travelers with economy and business class cabins. Air Berlin was not part of a major global alliance, though it had codeshare agreements with various carriers and was majority-owned by Etihad Airways from 2011 onwards. The airline's frequent flyer program, topBonus, allowed members to accumulate miles across its network and partner airlines. Air Berlin's business model blended full-service and low-cost elements, positioning itself as a competitor to both traditional carriers and budget airlines, and it carried millions of passengers annually at its peak. The airline ceased operations in October 2017 after facing mounting financial losses and difficulties stemming from fuel price volatility and increased competition, with its remaining routes and assets subsequently acquired by competitors including Lufthansa and Eurowings.