How many sorties were conducted during the Berlin Airlift?

The Berlin Airlift, which took place from June 1948 to September 1949, was a significant operation undertaken by Allied forces to supply West Berlin amidst a Soviet blockade. The correct answer, which states that 277,000 sorties were conducted, accurately reflects the extensive logistical efforts made to transport vital supplies—such as food, fuel, and medicine—needed to sustain the population of West Berlin during this crisis.

During the airlift, aircraft flew around the clock in a coordinated effort to deliver these supplies, with the operation peaking at over 1,000 flights per day at times. This intensive level of activity demonstrates not only the commitment of the Allies but also the sheer scale of the operation, as each sortie represented a separate mission to deliver necessary aid and maintain access to West Berlin.

The figures for the other options do not align with the historical records of the Berlin Airlift, which have been extensively documented and verified. The total number of sorties is thus clearly established as 277,000, making this the accurate answer that reflects the historical significance of the operation.