- Climate activists disrupt operations at Leipzig/Halle airport
Several climate activists protested at Leipzig/Halle Airport, causing a temporary shutdown of cargo flight operations. Five of them had glued themselves to the ground in the southern area of the airport around midnight, while two others were prevented from doing so, a spokesperson for the Federal Police reported. The officers discovered holes in the fence at the edge of the grounds. The activists were removed from the apron 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 around three hours from approximately 00:30 AM. In the morning, it was reported that one of the two runways was available for operations. Passenger flights resumed with slight delays: the first flight took off at 5:41 AM, about 15 minutes later than planned.
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 apron.
In a post on the X platform, the group stated: "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 apron, with at least one showing a hand glued to the ground. Their signs read: "Oil kills."
Investigations against the activists are now underway, among other things, for unauthorized presence in the security area, trespassing, and interference with air traffic, a spokesperson for the Federal Police said.
Actions at several airports
Last week, climate protesters temporarily disrupted flight operations at both Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport. There was also a peaceful protest action at Stuttgart Airport without any restrictions on air traffic. In response, Leipzig Airport announced that it would be taking security precautions. Security personnel have been sensitized and will act with increased vigilance, it was reported.
Overview of flight connections
The protest by "Letzte Generation" at Leipzig/Halle Airport was aimed at raising awareness about the climate impact of increasing air traffic, airport expansions, and the absence of a swift government transition from fossil fuels. Due to their actions, The climate at the airport was disrupted, leading to a temporary suspension of cargo flight operations.
