Climate activists have continued their disruptive tactics, targeting major European airports in a bid to raise awareness about climate change. At Cologne-Bonn Airport, one of Germany’s largest, activists glued themselves to the runway, causing significant disruption. At least four inbound flights were redirected to nearby airports, while numerous outbound flights faced delays and cancellations, leaving passengers stranded. Police responded swiftly, removing some of the protesters, who had entered the airport by cutting through the perimeter fence.
The Last Generation activist group, responsible for the protest, issued a statement demanding that the German government negotiate and sign an international agreement to phase out the use of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. Meanwhile, in Finland, activists were photographed blocking security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport, and in Norway, three individuals reportedly breached the perimeter fence of Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport before being apprehended by authorities.
These recent incidents follow a pattern of airport protests by climate activists in recent years, aimed at highlighting their concerns about the climate crisis. The German government, in response to these disruptions, has drafted legislation to impose tougher penalties on individuals who breach airport perimeters. This proposed bill, which is still under consideration by lawmakers, could result in a prison sentence of up to two years for those who intentionally intrude on airside areas, endanger civil aviation, or facilitate such intrusions. Currently, such offenses only carry a fine. The bill also outlines a potential prison sentence of up to five years for individuals who enter airports with prohibited items, such as weapons, knives, or poisonous substances, or if the intrusion is related to other offenses.
