Germany’s busiest airport, Frankfurt Airport, experienced significant operational disruptions on Thursday due to a climate protest. Activists from climate groups glued themselves to the tarmac, leading to a temporary halt in flights and affecting millions of travelers. This protest underscores the growing global movement against fossil fuel use and the urgent call for climate action.
Temporary Flight Suspension at Frankfurt Airport
The airport, serving nearly 60 million passengers last year, announced a temporary suspension of flights after demonstrators occupied at least one taxiway. The facility advised travelers to avoid coming to the airport, and its website reflected numerous flight cancellations and diversions. The disruptions were attributed to a police operation aimed at removing the protesters.
Protest Details and Activist Statements
The activist group Oil Kills reported that six protesters had glued themselves to a taxiway. The group highlighted their actions on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The sun hasn’t risen yet, but air traffic in Germany has already been brought to a standstill.” Climate activist group Letzte Generation, or “Last Generation,” shared videos and photos on X showing their members on the tarmac, asserting that current fossil fuel practices are unsustainable and threatening our existence.
Police and Activist Responses
CNN has reached out to Frankfurt police for additional comments. The protest at Frankfurt Airport followed a series of similar actions across Europe on Wednesday. In Germany, Letzte Generation members glued their hands to the tarmac at Cologne-Bonn Airport, leading to the detention of three protesters, as reported by Oil Kills.
European Protests and Detentions
In Norway, three activists were detained at Oslo Airport after they breached the tarmac to demand more aggressive climate policies from the Norwegian government. In Spain, five protesters were intercepted at Barcelona Airport, resulting in one arrest and several fines. Furthermore, nine individuals blocked security gates at Helsinki Airport in Finland, causing further passenger disruptions.
Conclusion and Ongoing Updates
The protests at major airports highlight the escalating global demand for urgent climate action. This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The incidents reflect the increasing intensity of climate activism and its impact on transportation hubs worldwide.