In Frankfurt, Germany, 270 flights were canceled at the busiest airport due to environmental activists disrupting air travel to raise awareness about climate change. Activists breached security fences in the early morning, causing flights to be halted. By evening, 270 flights out of 1,400 scheduled for the day were canceled. The activists are calling for an end to the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030, linking them to climate change.
The aviation industry, known for being carbon-intensive, is expected to grow despite efforts to combat the climate crisis. Protest groups like Last Generation caused disruptions at German airports, with activists in Finland, Norway, Switzerland, and Spain staging similar actions. In London, a planned protest at Heathrow Airport was prevented by police, leading to the arrest of several activists. The increased activism comes as global investments in oil and gas are set to rise by 7% despite promises to reduce fossil fuel use.
The German government recently approved legislation imposing harsher penalties for individuals breaching airport perimeters. The bill introduces potential prison sentences for those who intentionally intrude on airport areas, such as runways or taxiways, endangering civil aviation. The legislation is aimed at curbing future disruptions like the recent protests at German airports.
