Kassel Airport, situated in northern Hesse, Germany, has been embroiled in controversy due to its ongoing financial woes and environmental impact. On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, around 120 people rallied to protest the airport’s continued operation, demanding an end to public subsidies. This demonstration, organized as part of broader climate actions led by the activist group Last Generation, aimed to highlight the airport’s financial burden on taxpayers and its contribution to climate change.
The protesters, who gathered on Kassel’s harbor bridge, argued that the airport, which recorded a deficit of 4.98 million euros in 2023, is a drain on public funds that could be better spent on sustainable projects. They labelled the airport as “fossil-fueled self-destruction” and emphasized the urgent need to shift public investment toward climate-friendly initiatives, especially as the world grapples with increasingly severe climate impacts.
The demonstration received support from several organizations, including Scientist Rebellion, Parents Against the Fossil Industry, and Extinction Rebellion. These groups joined Last Generation in advocating for a fundamental rethinking of public spending priorities, demanding a transition towards a more sustainable future.
Demonstrators highlighted the airport’s limited use, pointing out that it primarily serves business travel and offers only a small number of commercial flights. Despite being open for over a decade, Kassel Airport has struggled to attract a significant number of passengers, leading to ongoing criticism about the justification for continued public funding to cover its losses.
Environmental activists further stressed the broader implications of investing in fossil fuel-dependent infrastructure, particularly in the face of increasing extreme weather events. They argued that the funds allocated to support Kassel Airport would be better spent on renewable energy projects, enhanced public transit systems, and other green initiatives that align with Germany’s ambitious climate goals.
Local police, who monitored the demonstration, reported that it remained peaceful and concluded without major incidents. The protest at Kassel Airport reflects a growing trend of climate action across Germany, where activists increasingly target airports and other fossil fuel-intensive sectors. These demonstrations underscore the activists’ unwavering demand for a fundamental shift in public spending priorities to effectively combat climate change and pave the way for a sustainable future.
