Klim activists from the group Last Generation (Letzte Generation) conducted actions over the past week that temporarily disrupted traffic at four major airports in Germany. The activists glued themselves to taxiways at Cologne Bonn, Nuremberg, Berlin, and Stuttgart, creating disturbances in air traffic, particularly in Nuremberg and Cologne Bonn, where police were required to intervene.
On Thursday, the activists unfurled banners reading “Oil kills” and demanded that the German government enter into an agreement to ensure a global phase-out of oil, gas, and coal by 2030. According to the group, eight individuals were involved in the action, and they did not target the main runways; however, they still disrupted flights for approximately two hours.
Police confirmed that the eight activists were arrested, and in Berlin and Stuttgart, four activists were swiftly removed without affecting air traffic. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser criticized the action, labeling it “dangerous and stupid.” She pointed out that new legislation recently approved by the German government will impose stricter penalties for those entering airport areas. This new law, which still requires approval from lawmakers, could lead to sentences of up to two years in prison for individuals who intentionally breach airport security perimeters.
Last Generation is known for its confrontational protest methods, including throwing mashed potatoes at famous artworks and glueing themselves to busy roads. In July, activists halted traffic for two hours by gluing themselves to the tarmac at Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt.