Climate activists temporarily block airports in Cologne and European cities
The three men and two women, aged between 20 and 55, reached the airport scene according to Police around 5:45 AM. The most active of the protesters were reportedly removed from the runway area by 9:00 AM. Air traffic resumed in the morning as it became clear that no further protesters remained in the secure zone.
The protesters were initially arrested and later released after their personal details were taken. The investigation was taken over by the State Protection of the Cologne Police. The five suspects are charged with dangerous interference in air traffic, violation of the Assembly Law, and trespassing.
The Last Generation claimed responsibility for the blockade. They reportedly cut a fence at the Airport and drove near Start- and Landing runways to attach themselves there. In a statement, they demanded the German government to draft a legally binding international agreement for global withdrawal from Oil, Gas, and Coal by 2030.
Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) strongly condemned the blockade. "Who intrudes violently onto airports, occupies runways, and blocks machines endangers human lives," he told Funke Media Group. The Bundestag was urged to pass the planned tightening of the Aviation Security Law as soon as possible. The law would impose freedom penalties of up to five years for intruding onto airports.
The Airports Association ADV also condemned the "criminal intrusion of climate activists" sharply. "Serious criminal consequences are needed for this behavior," declared ADV Managing Director Ralph Beisel. The association supports the planned tightening of the Aviation Security Law.
North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) also expressed sharp criticism. "What these people are doing has nothing to do with protest and opinion but is several criminal offenses," he told the "Rheinische Post". This behavior "undermines the cause of climate protection".
Similar protests occurred at airports in other countries on Wednesday. Nine activists from the Just Stop Oil group were arrested at London Heathrow Airport in the UK. A blockade by twelve activists occurred at Oslo Airport in Norway. Similar cases were reported from Spain and Finland.
- The police interrogated several Men and women who were part of the Climate activists group responsible for the airport disruption.
- The City of Cologne, specifically Cologne/Bonn Airport, experienced a significant Climate activists protest that disrupted air traffic.
- At Rollfeld, a section of the airport, a group of Climate activists managed to cut a fence and approach the Start- and Landing runways.
- Despite the protests and disruptions caused by Climate activists at various Airports around the world, there have been calls for tightening Aviation Security Laws to prevent such incidents.
- The authorities in Cologne are working closely with the police force to ensure that justice is served following the Climate activists' actions at the local Airport.
