FRANKFURT, Germany
A total of 270 flights were canceled at Frankfurt Airport, Germany’s busiest, on July 25 after environmental activists launched coordinated protests targeting airports across Europe.
The activists aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for action against climate change, particularly the impact of airliners using fossil fuels.
The disruptions began early in the morning when climate activists breached security fences at Frankfurt Airport, prompting a halt to flights for safety reasons. The airport’s runways resumed operation by 7:50 a.m. local time. By evening, airport operator Fraport reported that 270 flights were canceled out of the 1,400 scheduled for the day, according to the German news agency dpa.
Police reported that seven individuals damaged the perimeter fence and entered the airport grounds at 5 a.m., attaching themselves to the tarmac in various locations. An eighth person attached themself to the fence. Authorities detained all of them.
Environmental groups have announced plans to target airports around Europe this summer to highlight the link between fossil fuels and climate change. They are calling for governments to cease the extraction and burning of fossil fuels by 2030.
The protests come amid alarming climate data, with July 22 recorded as the hottest day ever due to human-caused climate change. According to the International Energy Agency, despite global promises to reduce fossil fuel use, investments in oil and gas are expected to increase by seven percent this year.
This incident marks the second consecutive day of protests by the Last Generation group, causing disruptions at German airports. On July 24, five protesters glued themselves to a taxiway at Cologne-Bonn Airport, halting flights for about three hours and resulting in 31 flight cancellations.
Similar actions were staged or attempted in Finland, Norway, Switzerland, and Spain. In Helsinki, a brief protest blocked the main check-in area but did not cause flight delays.
In Oslo, activists briefly disrupted air traffic by entering the runway area. Meanwhile, police in London prevented a planned protest at Heathrow Airport, arresting several individuals as part of a preemptive operation.
In response to these incidents, the German Cabinet recently approved legislation proposing stricter penalties for those who breach airport perimeters, including potential prison sentences of up to two years. The bill still requires approval by lawmakers.
