German authorities detained eight climate activists in Frankfurt after they trespassed at Munich airport, leading to a brief closure and approximately 60 flight cancellations during a busy holiday weekend. According to a police representative, six of the activists affixed themselves to a runway but the situation is now contained, with both runways at the airport open for incoming and outgoing flights.
Last Generation, a climate group known for similar protests, claimed responsibility for the incident in social media posts featuring members on a runway with protest signs. The group later reported that six individuals sat on the airport tarmac at 4:45 a.m. local time to obstruct planes, criticizing Berlin for favoring airlines over rail transportation.
Germany's Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned the actions, stating they endanger air traffic and climate efforts by inciting contempt and anger. She emphasized the need to pursue the perpetrators, a sentiment echoed by Germany's Transport Minister, Volker Wissing, who called for stricter penalties, proposing up to two years of imprisonment for such offenses.
An airport spokes person disclosed that the airport was completely shut down for nearly two hours, resulting in 11 diverted flights, 60 cancellations, and potential delays. The disruption, occurring during a peak travel period for the southern German airport, ranks second only to the Easter holidays in terms of busyness.
