Six activists broke through security fencing at Munich airport, glued themselves to the runway, and forced officials to temporarily close the airport, canceling approximately 60 flights.
Munich, Germany - A group of climate protesters have been arrested in Germany after breaking into an airport and gluing themselves to the runway. Six activists broke through security fencing at Munich airport in the German state of Bavaria on Saturday, according to the news outlet dpa. Approximately sixty flights were canceled after the half-dozen protesters glued themselves to the tarmac, forcing officials to temporarily close the airport.
An additional fourteen flights into Munich were forced to divert to other nearby airports to avoid the disruption. Climate protest coalition Last Generation took credit for the stunt, claiming it was intended to draw attention to the German government's inaction on the airline industry's environmental impact.
All six protesters were arrested and charged by law enforcement. "Trespassing in the aviation security area is no trivial offense. Over hundreds of thousands of passengers were prevented from a relaxed and punctual start to their Pentecost holiday," German Airports Association General Manager Ralph Beisel told dpa.
The Munich incident was just one of many similar protests around the world against air transportation. Last Generation has performed at least two similar airport disruptions in Germany since last year. Other groups have staged similar protests in the United States, the United Kingdom, and France.
The protests have sparked a debate about the balance between climate protection and the right to air travel. Some argue that the protests are necessary to raise awareness about the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while others condemn the disruptions as dangerous and counterproductive.
The German government has condemned the protests, with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser calling them "criminal actions that threaten air traffic and harm climate protection." However, some environmental groups have expressed support for the protesters, arguing that their actions are justified in light of the climate crisis.
The protests are likely to continue as climate activists seek to pressure governments and the airline industry to take more aggressive action on climate change. However, it remains to be seen whether the protests will be effective in changing government policies or public opinion.
