Climate activists from the group Last Generation caused significant disruptions at two German airports on Thursday, gluing themselves to runways and leading to numerous flight delays and cancellations. This action, intended to protest transportation emissions and demand stronger government action on climate change, drew sharp criticism from officials, including Transport Minister Volker Wissing, who labeled the protests "criminal activity." The group also disrupted traffic in Munich on Friday, with one member concreting himself to a street.
Activists of the Last Generation blocked traffic at the Stachus in Munich, Germany on July 14, 2023. (ddp/mufkinnphotos via Reuters Connect)
This incident follows similar protests in April, where the group blocked roads in Berlin. Last Generation argues that the Transport Ministry lacks a concrete plan to achieve emission reduction targets. They criticize the ministry's reliance on "technological flexibility" instead of decisive action.
Police attempted to remove activists from the tarmac at Düsseldorf Airport on Thursday, July 13, 2023. (David Young/dpa via AP)
Flights at Hamburg Airport were suspended after activists breached the airfield and glued themselves to the runway. Similar disruptions occurred at Düsseldorf Airport. The protests coincided with the start of summer school vacations in Hamburg, impacting numerous travelers. According to DW, 46 flights were affected.
Travelers faced delays at Hamburg Airport due to the protest on July 13, 2023. (Bodo Marks/dpa via AP)
The activists face potential charges related to disturbing the peace, coercive behavior, and interfering with aviation. Government officials criticized the group for disrupting the vacation plans of others and accused them of dividing society. Minister Wissing has previously been criticized for resisting measures to reduce emissions from air and road travel.
An activist's hand is unglued during a climate protest in Berlin on June 19, 2023. (Reuters/Nadja Wohlleben/File Photo)
Last Generation maintains that its actions are peaceful, though they acknowledge the disruptions caused. In the past, motorists delayed by the group's actions have reportedly confronted activists. The homes of several group members were raided in May under suspicion of forming a criminal organization.
