Poland-Germany train link delayed until 2028 over funding cuts

A planned direct train link between Szczecin Główny in Poland and Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) now faces major delays. The project, set to launch as the new RE9 Regional Express line, has hit financial and technical hurdles. Originally scheduled for 2026, the service may not run until at least 2028 due to funding cuts from Poland's government.

The route was designed to offer a faster, 160 km/h alternative to driving, stretching from Szczecin through Angermünde, Berlin, and on to Cottbus. But with key electrification work stalled, the timeline has shifted significantly.

The RE9 was meant to start operations in December 2026, replacing the current RE66 service. Unlike its predecessor, it would run all day rather than in limited slots, with trains every two hours. Passengers would also get an hourly connection via Angermünde, improving access to Berlin and the airport.

Infrastructure upgrades between Angermünde and the Polish border were due to begin this summer. The full reopening as a double-track, electrified line was targeted for December 2027. However, Poland's president vetoed essential funding, halting electrification work on the Polish side. This has pushed the RE9's launch back by at least two years. Even before the funding issue, the project faced challenges. Integrating the FEX airport express into Berlin's long-distance rail tunnel had already strained capacity, raising concerns about the RE9's ability to run smoothly. The route's unusual length—covering Szczecin, Berlin, and Cottbus—added further complexity. Once complete, the line was expected to reach speeds of 160 km/h, making it a genuine alternative to car travel. But with electrification now on hold, the project's future remains uncertain.

The RE9's launch has been delayed until at least 2028, with electrification work stalled due to Poland's funding withdrawal. The line was intended to provide a fast, direct connection between Szczecin and Berlin Brandenburg Airport, but construction setbacks have forced a rethink.

Passengers will now have to wait longer for the improved service, while the existing RE66 continues to operate in its current limited form. The project's next steps depend on securing new funding and resolving capacity issues in Berlin's rail network.