The Berlin Airlift was a major operation that took place from June 1948 to September 1949. It was initiated in response to the Soviet Union's blockade of West Berlin, which aimed to cut off supplies to the city. The Western Allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom, organized a massive airlift to deliver food, fuel, and other essential goods to the residents of West Berlin. During the airlift, over 200,000 flights were conducted, delivering more than 2.3 million tons of supplies. This operation demonstrated the commitment of the Western Allies to support the people of West Berlin and resist Soviet pressure, ultimately leading to the lifting of the blockade in May 1949.