Protest targets fossil fuel subsidies, sparking security review and travel disruptions.
Security protocols at Berlin Brandenburg Airport are under scrutiny after climate activists staged a protest on the airfield, temporarily halting flights. Members of the group Letzte Generation (Last Generation) breached the airport’s perimeter, glued themselves to the runway, and cycled across restricted areas to draw attention to fossil fuel subsidies and their role in climate change.
The disruption began on Thursday evening when six protesters entered the airfield. Four glued themselves to the asphalt near the runway, while two rode bicycles across the tarmac, bringing air traffic to a standstill. The airport confirmed the incident on its Twitter account at 5:35 p.m. local time, stating “several individuals” were on the premises.
Letzte Generation, known for its non-violent demonstrations, claimed responsibility, criticising subsidies for jet fuel that benefit a small percentage of the global population while contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The group stated their intention was to highlight the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and informed police of their plans via an emergency call shortly before entering the airport.
The protest caused significant travel disruptions, with 15 flights diverted to other airports and five departures delayed, affecting approximately 750 passengers. Berlin Brandenburg Airport confirmed that the incident is being reviewed to assess necessary changes to security measures.
German officials widely condemned the action, though Martin Schirdewan, co-leader of the Left Party, acknowledged that the activists had drawn attention to a critical issue of political inaction on climate change.
Police detained six individuals, aged 20 to 32, on suspicion of endangering air traffic, trespassing, and property damage. Five of them were later released, while one remains in custody.
This is not the first airport protest in Europe this month. Earlier in November, climate activists in Amsterdam blocked private jets from departing Schiphol Airport. These demonstrations are part of a growing wave of civil disobedience aimed at pressuring governments to take stronger action against climate change.
