- Climate activists disrupt operations at Leipzig/Halle airport
Multiple climate activists protested at Leipzig/Halle Airport, causing a several-hour suspension of cargo flight operations. Five of them had stuck themselves to the ground in the southern area of the airport shortly after midnight, with two others prevented from doing so, according to a spokesperson for the Federal Police. The officers discovered holes in the fence at the edge of the property. Around 5 a.m., the activists were removed from the ground and taken off the apron. 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 around midnight. In the morning, it was reported that one of two runways was available for operations. Passenger flight operations began with slight delays: the first flight took off at 5:41 a.m., about 15 minutes later than planned.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is the fourth-largest hub for air freight in Europe, handling around 1.4 million tons of cargo annually.
The group "Letzte Generation" stated that they wanted to set a sign on the apron against the increasing air traffic, the planned expansion of airport capacities, and the lack of a government plan for a rapid exit from fossil energy.
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 person's hand stuck to the ground. Their signs read: "Oil kills."
The Federal Police spokesperson said that investigations against the activists are underway for, among other things, unauthorized presence in the security area, trespassing, and interference with air traffic.
Last week, climate protesters also disrupted flight operations at Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport for a few hours each. At Stuttgart Airport, there was a peaceful protest action 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 activists who disrupted operations at Leipzig/Halle Airport belong to the German group "Letzte Generation." This isn't the first time climate protests have affected airports in Germany; Frankfurt and Cologne/Bonn airports also experienced disruptions recently.
