Interior Minister describes action as “dangerous and stupid” and warns of harsher penalties for intruders at the airport.
Climate activists plastered the tarmac of four airports in Germany and briefly brought traffic to a standstill at two of them before they were arrested.
The activist group Last Generation said that on Thursday eight people “stormed the runways” of Cologne/Bonn, Nuremberg, Berlin and Stuttgart airports, unfurled banners reading “Oil kills” and stuck themselves to the “asphalt”.
The group is calling on the German government to negotiate and sign an agreement that guarantees the global phase-out of oil, gas and coal by 2030.
Although the activists did not enter the main runways, they disrupted air traffic in Nuremberg and Cologne/Bonn for about two hours due to police operations. Two activists were stranded on the ground at each airport.
In Berlin and Stuttgart, four activists trapped on the ground were quickly removed by police, and air operations were not affected.
Police confirmed that all eight activists involved in the protests were arrested.
Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the action. “These criminal actions are dangerous and stupid. The rioters are not only risking their own lives, but are also endangering others,” she posted on X on Thursday.
She referred to a law passed by the German cabinet last month that would impose tougher penalties on people who breach airport barriers.
The bill, which still needs to be approved by politicians, would impose penalties of up to two years in prison for people who intentionally enter airport areas such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation or assist others in doing so. Currently, trespassers only receive a fine.
Last Generation is known for its high-profile protests, which range from throwing mashed potatoes at paintings in museums to sticking their bodies on busy streets.
In July, activists from the group brought traffic on the tarmac of Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt, to a standstill for two hours during the busy summer holiday season by gluing themselves to the tarmac.
