Last Generation - NRW Airports: Security concept continuously adapted
The large North Rhine-Westphalian airports keep quiet on requests regarding possible necessary intensifications of security measures against disturbances and intruders. "Our Security Concept and specific measures are continuously evaluated in conjunction with the police departments based on risk assessments and adjusted accordingly," a spokesperson for Düsseldorf Airport replied to an inquiry from the German Press Agency in Düsseldorf. "This also applies in the current situation."
Airport: Money is available for enhanced protection
Similarly, a spokesperson for Cologne/Bonn Airport spoke. The airport has a comprehensive security concept with a multitude of interlocking protective measures, it was also stated there. "These fulfill all legal requirements and international standards." Financial resources are available for technical solutions, structural changes, personnel measures, and digital innovations for continuous optimization.
Climate demonstrators immobilized airport operations at Frankfurt Airport with an adhesive action on the runways on Thursday. Similar actions by the group "Last Generation" had already occurred at the airports in Cologne/Bonn, London, or Oslo.
Disturbances despite fence and overclimbing protection
A year ago, climate activists at the Düsseldorf Airport had cut through the barbed wire over a fence and glued themselves to the runway. The result were significant flight disruptions and delays.
"The operational area of Düsseldorf Airport is secured by a 13-kilometer-long fence with an overclimbing protection system that meets all German and European security standards," the Düsseldorf Airport spokesperson shared. "The monitoring and patrol of the fence is carried out in close cooperation with the police departments, supported by technical systems and cameras." In case of unauthorized actions, an alarm is triggered automatically, enabling quick intervention by emergency services.
Critics point out serious security gaps
Airport experts and the police union, however, see significant security gaps at the airports, making it easy for intruders to gain access, for example, through a hole in the fence. In response to these allegations, the spokesperson for the largest NRW airport in Düsseldorf stated that the airport cannot disclose details about its security concept and measures.
- The German Press Agency inquired about potential enhancements in security at Cologne/Bonn Airport, just like they did at Düsseldorf International Airport located in Düsseldorf, Germany.
- The Cologne/Bonn Airport spokesperson confirmed the presence of a robust Security Concept with numerous interconnected protective measures, adhering to all legal requirements and international standards.
- The disturbances at Düsseldorf Airport last year, caused by climate activists scaling the fence and gluing themselves to the runway, resulted in significant flight delays and disruptions.
- Despite the extensive 13-kilometer-long fence with an overclimbing protection system at Düsseldorf Airport, some critics raise concerns about alleged security gaps, enabling easy intrusions.
- Air traffic at Frankfurt Airport was halted due to climate demonstrators' actions with adhesive agents on the runways, mimicking previous incidents in Cologne/Bonn, London, and Oslo.
- The group "Last Generation" has become notorious for impacting air traffic with such protests at multiple international airports, including Cologne/Bonn and Frankfurt in Germany.
- In response to the security concerns raised at Düsseldorf Airport, the spokesperson emphasized the importance of maintaining confidentiality regarding the airport's specific security Concept and measures.
