Last generation blocked the runway for hours in Leipzig/Halle
Activists aim to make a statement against climate-damaging air traffic - and that's exactly what they did in the middle of the night at Saxony's largest airport. They are particularly targeting air cargo at one of Europe's most important hubs.
Members of the group Last Generation temporarily blocked operations at Leipzig/Halle Airport during the night. Five people glued themselves to the runway, a police spokesperson said, while two others were prevented from doing so. According to an airport spokesperson, flight operations were suspended for around three hours from around 00:30. The cargo operation was affected. In the morning, an airport spokesperson said there were no impacts on passenger traffic.
Leipzig/Halle Airport is the fourth-largest hub for air cargo in Europe, handling around 1.4 million tons of freight annually. According to Last Generation, activists entered the airport grounds around midnight, aiming to make a statement against increasing air traffic, the airport's inadequate climate strategy, and the lack of a federal government plan for a swift exit from fossil fuels.
On X, the group wrote: "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 runway, at least one with a hand glued to the ground. Their signs read: "Oil kills."
Last week, climate protesters had also disrupted flight operations at Frankfurt Airport and Cologne/Bonn Airport for several hours each. At Stuttgart Airport, there was a peaceful protest action without any restrictions on flight traffic. In response, Leipzig Airport, among others, announced that it would be taking additional security measures. Security personnel have been sensitized and will act with increased vigilance, it was reported.
The group Last Generation, being part of the last generation, aimed to highlight their concerns about air traffic's climate impact and the airport's insufficient climate strategy during their nighttime protest. Their actions temporarily disrupted the cargo operations at Leipzig/Halle Airport, contributing to its reputation as a significant air cargo hub.
