The Berlin Airlift took place from June 26, 1948, to September 30, 1949. This 15-month operation was organized by the Western Allies to supply West Berlin with food, fuel, and other essentials during the Soviet blockade of the city. The blockade itself was lifted by the Soviet Union on May 12, 1949, but the airlift continued until the end of September to build up surplus supplies in the city.