Climate Activists Halt Flights at Cologne-Bonn Airport

Climate activists from the Last Generation group disrupted operations at Cologne-Bonn Airport in Germany by gluing themselves to a taxiway, causing flight suspensions. The protesters demanded a global exit from fossil fuels by 2030. This incident is part of a broader trend of airport protests by climate activists. The German government is considering tougher penalties for such intrusions.

Climate activists glued themselves to the ground at Cologne-Bonn Airport in western Germany on Wednesday, forcing officials to suspend flights for a few hours, authorities said.

Police reported that five individuals glued themselves to a taxiway, causing flight suspensions from 5:45 am until shortly after 9 am. The Last Generation activist group claimed responsibility, stating that supporters cut through the perimeter fence and attached themselves to the asphalt.

The protesters are demanding that the German government sign an international agreement to exit from oil, gas, and coal usage by 2030. This incident follows a series of airport protests by climate activists in recent years.

Last week, the German Cabinet approved legislation to impose tougher penalties on those who breach airport perimeters. The bill, requiring further approval, proposes up to a two-year prison sentence for such actions and up to five years for intrusions involving prohibited objects or intended to cover up another offense.

(With inputs from agencies.)