German climate activists stop air traffic after breaking into four airport sites

Climate activists from the group Letzte Generation disrupted air traffic in Germany by breaking into four airports, including Cologne-Bonn and Nuremberg, on August 15, 2024. The protesters cut through fences, glued themselves to the tarmac, and displayed banners demanding an international ban on fossil fuels by 2030. Their actions led to temporary flight cancellations at the affected airports. The protests were part of a broader campaign against government inaction on climate issues, which the group argues endangers lives. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser condemned the protests, calling for severe penalties for those involved, while the airport association labeled the actions as criminal extortion. In response to the protests, the German government plans to tighten aviation security laws to prevent unauthorized access to airport facilities. Letzte Generation defended their actions, stating that the real danger lies in political inaction regarding climate change. The eight activists involved were later released from police custody.

- Letzte Generation activists disrupted air traffic at four German airports.

- The protests aimed to highlight the need for a ban on fossil fuels by 2030.

- Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called for harsh penalties for the protesters.

- The German government plans to enhance airport security in response to the protests.

- The activists argue that government inaction on climate change poses a greater risk than their protests.