End of the Berlin Blockade, 12/5/1949. The Berlin Blockade, 24 June 1948 - 12. May 1949. (The Airlift began on 26 June). On 12 May at 7am, the first interzone buses begin between Berlin and Hannover. (Placard reads "Hurra. We're still alive."). Photo, 12/5/1949.