GERMANY-AIRPORT/PROTESTS (UPDATE 2, TV, PIX):UPDATE 2- As climate activists block the runway, Frankfurt airport suspends operations.
BERLIN—Several climate activists blocked runways by sticking themselves to the tarmac on Thursday morning, causing Frankfurt airport, the busiest in Germany, to temporarily suspend flights.
The airport requested on social media platform X that travelers check the status of their flights and allow additional time for travel. “Passengers are asked not to go to the airport for the time being,” the airport stated.
Six demonstrators with signs that said “Oil kills” had broken over a fence and reached several locations near the Frankfurt airport runways, according to a statement released by Last Generation climate activists. Photos that the group made public featured demonstrators with their hands glued to the asphalt while wearing orange safety vests.
Several climate activists were on the airport property, according to a federal police spokesperson.
The group has enumerated a number of North American and European nations where such disruptions are scheduled as part of a protest campaign that commenced on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Last Generation restated its demand that the German government assist in drafting and approving a global accord governing the phase-out of coal, gas, and oil by 2030.
The sixth-largest airport in Germany, Cologne-Bonn, saw aircraft halted for a few hours on Wednesday due to climate activists who had attached themselves to a runway. However, officials at other European airports had managed to prevent similar activities.
Ronja Kuenkler, a Last Generation activist, told the media that Wednesday’s demonstration was only the start, but she would not clarify whether or not it will be directed towards the Paris Olympics, which begin on Friday.
