- Climate activists disrupt operations at Leipzig/Halle airport
Several climate activists protested at Leipzig/Halle Airport, causing a temporary halt to cargo flight operations. Five of them had glued themselves to the ground in the southern area of the airport shortly after midnight, while two others were prevented from doing so, a spokesperson for the Federal Police said. The police discovered holes in the fence at the edge of the area. The activists were removed from the tarmac around 5:00 AM. The group "Letzte Generation" claimed responsibility for the action.
According to an airport spokesperson, cargo flight operations had to be suspended for about three hours from around 00:30 AM. In the morning, it was reported that one of the two runways was available for operation. Passenger flight operations began with some delays: the first flight took off at 5:41 AM, about 15 minutes later than scheduled.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is the fourth-largest air cargo hub in Europe, handling around 1.4 million tons of freight annually.
The group "Letzte Generation" stated that they wanted to set a sign against the increasing air traffic, the planned expansion of airport capacities, and the lack of a government plan for a rapid exit from fossil fuels on the tarmac.
On the X platform, the group posted: "Today's blockade mainly affects cargo traffic - the night flight ban is suspended for this." The post was accompanied by photos of activists on the tarmac, with at least one showing a hand glued to the ground. Their signs read: "Oil kills."
The Federal Police spokesperson said that investigations are underway against the activists for unauthorized presence in the security area, trespassing, and interference with air traffic.
Actions at several airports
Last week, climate protesters at Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport each temporarily disrupted flight operations for a few hours. There was also a peaceful protest action at Stuttgart Airport without any restrictions on air traffic. In response, Leipzig Airport announced that it would take security precautions. Security personnel have been sensitized and will act with increased vigilance, it was reported.
The action by "Letzte Generation" at Leipzig/Halle Airport was in protest against the airport's role in increasing air traffic, planned expansions, and the lack of a government plan for rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels. The climate protest significantly impacted the airport's cargo operations, temporarily halting them for approximately three hours.
