A coordinated protest by climate activists from the Last Generation group brought chaos to four German airports on Thursday morning.
The group claimed responsibility for disrupting operations at Berlin, Cologne-Bonn, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart airports, with images showing activists glued to the tarmac.
While the activists did not enter runway areas, their actions led to temporary flight suspensions and delays. Nuremberg Airport, for instance, halted flights for over an hour, resulting in cancellations and diversions.
Moreover, Cologne-Bonn Airport resumed operations after a brief shutdown but experienced ongoing delays.
The brazenness of the protests has ignited a fierce debate about airport security. German politicians have intensified calls for enhanced protection measures after similar incidents at Frankfurt Airport last month. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser labeled the activists’ actions as “dangerous and stupid.”
Last Generation has vowed to expand its campaign across Europe and North America, demanding a global agreement to phase out oil, gas, and coal by 2030.
As the climate crisis intensifies, such disruptive protests will likely become more frequent, raising questions about the balance between civil disobedience and public safety.
