BTN News: On Thursday, climate activists stopped flights at Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest airport. The protesters glued themselves to the ground in front of the airport, causing many problems. Over 100 flights were canceled, leaving passengers stranded.
The protest started early in the morning when activists from the group Last Generation broke into the airport. Federal police said the activists made holes in the fence and walked onto the runways. Some used bikes and skateboards. Security and police responded quickly.
Airport officials said just before 8 a.m. that flights were starting to run again. Later, they confirmed on social media that the runways were open. However, around 140 flights, which is about 10% of the day’s flights, were canceled.
This was the second day in a row that Last Generation protested at a German airport. The group wants the German government to stop using oil, gas, and coal by 2030. The day before, five activists glued themselves to a runway at Cologne-Bonn Airport. This caused a three-hour delay and 31 flight cancellations. Similar protests have happened in other European countries.
There have been more airport protests in recent years, causing many issues for travelers. Last week, the German government approved a new law to punish people who break into airport areas. This law still needs approval from lawmakers. If passed, people who enter restricted areas at airports could face up to two years in prison. Right now, they usually only get fines. In serious cases, the new law could mean up to five years in prison.
The new law shows that the government is taking these protests seriously. As climate activists continue their actions, there will be more debates about safety and activism.
The recent protests at Frankfurt and Cologne-Bonn airports show how serious these activists are. They are willing to take unusual steps to raise awareness about climate change. The disruptions show their belief in the need for urgent government action to fight climate change and switch to renewable energy.
Many passengers were upset about the flight cancellations but understood the activists’ reasons. “It’s inconvenient, but climate change is a real issue that needs addressing,” said one traveler.
As the world deals with climate change, these types of protests will likely continue. This raises questions about balancing activism and public safety. The German government’s new law shows it is serious about stopping these disruptions.
In conclusion, the protests at Frankfurt Airport highlight the lengths climate activists will go to for their cause. These actions caused the government to respond strongly. The ongoing tension between climate action and public safety will continue to be important. The world will watch closely to see how this develops.
