Germany's Cabinet Approves Tougher Penalties for Airport Intrusions

Germany's Cabinet has approved new legislation imposing stricter penalties for airport perimeter breaches, particularly targeting disruptive climate activists. The bill proposes up to two years' imprisonment for unauthorized access to sensitive airport areas and up to five years for intrusions with banned objects. The legislation awaits approval from lawmakers.

Germany's Cabinet has taken a hard stance on airport perimeter breaches, particularly in response to disruptive climate activists. On Wednesday, they approved legislation that introduces stricter penalties for such intrusions.

The proposed bill, which still requires approval from lawmakers, outlines punishments of up to two years in prison for those who intentionally access sensitive airport areas like taxiways and runways, posing threats to civil aviation. Currently, such offenses only result in fines.

More severe penalties of up to five years' imprisonment are suggested for cases involving the use of banned objects such as weapons, certain knives, or poisonous substances, or when the intrusion aims to facilitate or conceal another crime.

The legislation comes in the wake of recent climate activist protests at airports that have disrupted flights. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the broader dangers and economic impact of these incidents, highlighting the need for tougher punishment and better security measures from airport operators.

(With inputs from agencies.)