German Police arrest 8 climate activists at Munich Airport
German police arrest 8 climate activists at Munich airport after breaching grounds, causing a temporary closure and around 60 flight cancellations
German police took action on Saturday, arresting 8 climate activists who breached the grounds of Munich airport. This breach briefly led to the closure of the airport and resulted in approximately 60 flight cancellations during a bustling holiday weekend.
According to a police spokesperson, 6 of the activists resorted to gluing themselves to a runway, prompting swift intervention. The situation is now reportedly under control, with both runways at the airport reopened for arrivals and departures.
The climate group Last Generation, known for previous protests, claimed responsibility for the action through posts on social media, displaying members on what appeared to be a runway with protest signs.
“Problem is the government, not our holiday,” read one of the signs.
Subsequently, the group stated that six individuals positioned themselves on the airport asphalt at around 4:45 a.m. local time to obstruct planes, criticizing government subsidies for airlines at the expense of rail infrastructure.
Germany’s interior minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned the action, stating that such criminal activities jeopardize air traffic safety and undermine climate protection efforts. She emphasized the need for robust pursuit of the perpetrators.
Transport minister Volker Wissing called for legislative changes to classify these actions as criminal offenses, potentially punishable by up to two years in prison, as current laws consider them minor offenses.
An airport spokesperson reported a nearly two-hour closure of the airport to takeoffs and landings, resulting in the diversion of 11 flights, cancellation of approximately 60 flights, and possible delays.
This disruption occurred during one of the busiest travel periods for Munich airport in southern Germany, second only to the Easter holidays, according to airport officials.
Source: Reuters
