Blockade of Berlin by russian - Blockade of Berlin (1948-1949): USAF Rhein-Main Airport (near Frankfurt) Germany 9 July 1948. During the blockade of the former German capital by the Sovietic authorities and Operation Vittles (Victuailles), two GIs of a C47 label the bags of three tons of mail that have just been loaded by volunteer German workers and will be transported to Berlin. This blockade will last from 24 June 1948 to 12 May 1949