In a bid to draw attention to global warming, the busiest airport in Germany cancelled more than 100 flights on Thursday as green activists staged an organized attempt to disrupt air travel across Europe during the peak summer tourist season with climate change in focus.
Frankfurt Airport revealed that it had stopped all flights due to safety concerns following an intrusion by climate activists through the security fences which made police and firefighters along with airport security personnel respond.
The statement said all runways were fully operational by 7:50 am local time. So far, around 140 flights have been cancelled but further disruptions are expected throughout the day, according to the airport.
“These unauthorized demonstrations we sharply condemn and reserve our right to take legal action against those responsible,” says airport management. “Such actions may pose serious threats for flight operations even in situations where human lives are endangered.”
So-called “extinction rebellion” groups said they would focus their efforts on airports across Europe this summer, reminding people about links between fossil fuels burned by planes and global warming. The campaigners demand that governments worldwide stop extracting and burning carbon-based energy sources within upcoming eleven years.
Data from weather offices showed last Monday was another hottest day ever recorded since it has become clear such conditions result from human-caused climate change. Global investments into oil-and-gas resources contributing to greenhouse effect might grow by 7% in comparison with previous year, despite numerous pledges of reducing carbon consumption at present level.
Flight is considered a leading source of carbon emissions yet aviation industry is projectedly poised for continued steady growth over forthcoming decades until climate crisis is under control.
Last Generation Group, which organized yesterday’s demonstration in Frankfurt said six protesters cut through the perimeter fence and headed towards runways on foot, bikes or skateboards.
This was also not first-time Last Generation has disrupted flight operations at a German airport within two days.
On Wednesday morning five protestors glued themselves onto a taxiway at Cologne-Bonn Airport bringing traffic to a standstill for about three hours. As a result of the disruption, 31 flights were cancelled. Similar protests were held or attempted in some other European countries.
On Wednesday similar actions involving climate activists took place in Finland, Norway, Switzerland and Spain.
In Helsinki Airport some few protesters blocked main check-in area for half an hour, but the police stated that no flight delays and/or other form of disturbance was caused by them.
At Oslo’s Gardermoen airport on Wednesday, three activists climbed into the runway area with banners in their hands to disrupt air traffic for 30 minutes. Police confirmed that it did not lead to significant flight interruptions.
Last week London police revealed they had stopped a planned demonstration at Heathrow Airport that could have created considerable impact on Europe’s biggest airport. Seven suspects from Just Stop Oil campaign were detained at Heathrow while three others were taken elsewhere following what Metropolitan Police called “intelligence-led” operation.
Among those arrested in London is Sean Callaghan, 29 years old environmental educator.
In a video posted on social media, Callaghan said, “I am going to take action at airports this summer because I cannot fathom how we can stir up and motivate students about the future of our planet.′
Last week, the German cabinet approved legislation that would impose tougher penalties on people who break through airport perimeters.
The bill, which still requires approval by lawmakers, foresees punishment ranging up to a two-year prison sentence for people who intentionally intrude on airside areas of airports such as taxiways or runways, endanger civil aviation, or enable someone else to. Currently such intrusions only draw a fine.”
