Climate activists have taped themselves to the runway of Cologne-Bonn Airport, one of the largest airports in Germany.
Flight operations were initially suspended, but have now resumed. The airport announced: “The police operation at Cologne/Bonn Airport has ended. Flight operations have resumed. Disruptions in the form of delays and flight cancellations are to be expected later in the day.”
As the German news agency dpa reported, five people had become stuck on an airport runway early in the morning and officials were trying to free them. By 8:30 a.m., two of them had been freed.
The Last generation The activist group said in a statement that supporters in several small groups cut through the outer fence, approached the airport and then stuck themselves to the asphalt with a mixture of sand and glue.
What are the demonstrators demanding?
Under the slogan “Oil kills,” the demonstrators declare: “We call on our criminal governments to phase out oil, gas and coal production by 2030 by signing a binding international treaty.”
Through coordinated action across Europe, they call on “our governments to stop extracting and burning oil, gas and coal by 2030 and to support and finance poorer countries to achieve a rapid, fair and just transition.”
In FinlandActivists were photographed blocking the security gates at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
In NorwayThree activists reportedly broke through the fence at Oslo’s Gardermoen airport. Norwegian media reported that the individuals were removed by authorities within 30 minutes of their intrusion.
“My country is actively contributing to a climate crisis that will kill millions of people and destroy countless others. speciessaid Anders, 25, a student who took part in the protest with Folk Mot Fossilmakta (People Against Fossil Energy). “I call on Norway to work with other countries to develop a fossil fuel treaty that will end the use of fossil fuels by 2030.”
Barcelona The airport in Spain was attacked this morning by supporters of the organization Futuro Vegetal (Plant-Based Future), who are calling for an end to fossil fuels and a shift to plant-based agricultural and food systems. They were intercepted – one was arrested and brought to court, while the others were fined for attempting to disrupt airport traffic.
Supporters of Liberate SwitzerlandMeanwhile, they blocked access roads to Zurich and Geneva airports and called for an end to subsidies for fossil fuels.
“I cannot stand silently while fossil fuels “Thousands of people continue to die and governments are escalating their efforts,” said protester Rita Straub, a 74-year-old retired software analyst. “I’m doing civil disobedience to shake things up and apply pressure. Something has to be done. And it has to be done now.”
In Great Britain seven Just stop the oil Supporters were also arrested on the ring road outside Heathrow Airport at 9am today.
Governments pass stricter laws against airport protesters
These are the latest of several airport protests by climate activists in recent years that have led to disruption Flights.
Last week, the German cabinet approved a law that would impose tougher penalties for breaking airport barriers.
The draft law, which is still being discussed in parliament, provides for penalties of up to two years in prison for people who intentionally enter airport areas such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation or enable others to do so. Up to now, such intrusions can only be punished with a fine.
A prison sentence of up to five years would be possible, for example, if someone forcibly enters an airport with prohibited items such as a weapon, certain knives or poisonous substances, or if the entry is intended to facilitate or cover up another crime.
